The Wrap

It was all about the WBBL Trophy this weekend as all 10 teams started the road to the Emirates Arena.

The competition sees the teams divided into North and South groups with the two-time champions, Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters off to a winning start.

The Hatters claimed a 72-82 win away at Nottingham Wildcats as Georgia Gayle led the way with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the road victory.

Dave Greenaway’s side bounced back the next day by holding off a second half fightback from Team Northumbria to win 66-70 away from home, despite 26 points and 11 rebounds from Alison Gorrell.

Meanwhile, Cardiff Met Archers rallied from a nine-point half-time deficit to beat Oaklands Wolves 56-59 on the road.

The Archers were without leading scorer Judit Fritz for the clash, but were paced by 24 points from Sarah Wagstaff and Laura Shanahan also reached double figures in the win.

“It feels great to have come back from down nine and to have won the game,” said Shanahan.

“Obviously we were missing a key player in Judit, but I think we all stepped up in different ways to fill not only the scoring absence but the little things too.

“Having contributions from every player that steps onto the floor bodes well for us going forward as a team and deeper into the Trophy competition.”

She added: “At half-time we knew coming back was achievable – we just needed to chip away.

“The third quarter was massive for us, not only in scoring but also by limiting their scores through consecutive stops at the defensive end.

“I think we showed good composure in the fourth to close out the win.”

Sevenoaks Suns had a mixed weekend after splitting their opening two games in the South after losing 69-71 in overtime against Barking Abbey Crusaders before beating Leicester Riders 68-76 the next day.

Gabriele Nikitinaite poured in 48 points over the weekend including a game-high 19 to lead her side to victory over the Riders after overturning a seven-point deficit at the end of the third.

Last week’s Cup champions Manchester Mystics held off a spirited display from Caledonia Pride to prevail 50-59 behind a double-double from Dominique Allen with 16 points and 11 rebounds.