The Wrap

More history was made in the WBBL this weekend as Oaklands Wolves celebrated a first-ever victory in the top-flight.

Oaklands recorded a memorable 55-69 triumph on the road at Caledonia Pride with Aliz Varga finishing with a game-high 20 points in the win.

 

The joy was short-lived with focus turning to a road game against Team Northumbria and GB star Chantelle Handy netted 33 points to lead her side to an 85-55 victory.

It was a mixed weekend at home for Northumbria having started with a 53-69 loss to Leicester Riders. Dee Hayward top scored with 17 points, while Holly Winterburn added 16 points to extend their side’s unbeaten start.

Durham Palatinates have endured a tough start to the season and still await their first win.

The North-East side went down 92-65 at Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday before suffering a 52-93 defeat at home to unbeaten leaders Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters, who were led by Helen Naylor’s 24 points.

Nicolette Fong Lyew Quee had a combined 51 points for her side over the weekend and expressed her pride at the fight the team has shown

“It’s tough not being at full strength,” she declared.

“However the way the girls currently give their all, shows great signs for when our other players join.

“It was an improved performance from the last time we played Sheffield, but still not nearly good enough.

“Playing a high volume of minutes is not easy, but I am proud of how the team sticks together and continues to remain positive.

The GB Senior guard added: “We still feel confident that when our reinforcements arrive, we can make a push for the Play-Offs.

“Until then, we will keep trying to improve and do what we can to close the gaps.”

Meanwhile, Sevenoaks Suns maintained their perfect record with a hard-fought 67-62 success over Manchester Mystics, despite a 26-point haul from Lauren Thomas-Johnson.

The Suns led 26-12 after 10 minutes, but needed a strong fourth quarter display to overcome the visitors and get the win.

Judit Fritz had 14 points to lead a balanced attack with Chantelle Pressley posting a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Cardiff Met Archers picked up their second win of the league campaign as they defeated BA London Lions 54-47 behind a 25-point haul from Merissa Quick.