SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21

Results  - reports to follow:

U18 Men v Baddow Eagles  Lost 63-84

U16 Boys v Baddow Eagles  Lost  57-92

U14 Boys v Brentwood Fire   Lost  43-115

Senior Women  v Leicester Cannons  Lost 48-63

 

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13

UNDER 18 WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 82  EASTSIDE EAGLES 54 

The first game of a busy weekend for Southend Swifts saw their under 18 girls team look to consolidate their position in 2^nd place in the South Division when they met Eastside Eagles on their home court at Eastwood High School.  The London side are currently in 5^th place and Southend had a 15 point win when the teams met earlier in the season.  

Neither team could establish themselves early on as Eastside led 8-6 after four minutes but good fouls shooting from Swifts got them ahead and a Hannah Culwick three-pointer took her team 13-10 ahead.  The visitors replied with the next score but seven straight for the home side should have given them the impetus to take a hold on the game.  However, six of the last nine points gave Eastside the momentum and at the end of the first quarter Southend’s lead was just 23-18. An injury to Culwick limited Swifts’ scoring options that Eagles certainly took advantage of.  Captain Jennie Rodgers was the only player to score in the whole of the second period as good play from Eastside took them 34-32 ahead at the half time interval. 

Not for the first time, the break worked in Swifts favour.  Whatever had been said saw the home side take the initiative.  They scored the first six points and although Eagles replied with the next four, a 10-5 run made it 48-43.  But Culwick and Rodgers shared the next eight points and with one quarter remaining the lead was 56-43. Four straight from Culwick took the lead to 17.  Eastside’s press brought them four points but successive three-pointers from Rodgers started a 14-0 run that took the game beyond doubt as Southend recorded an 82-54 victory with a margin that certainly looked unlikely at half time;  Rodgers with 33 points and Culwick 28 leading the scoring.

 

UNDER 16 BOYS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

BEDFORDSHIRE KNIGHTS 84  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 49 

With a depleted squad due to the late arrangement of the under 18 game, Southend Swifts under 16 boys team travelled to Bedfordshire Knights looking to build on their victory the previous week.  The teams were in joint 5^th place in the league table although Knights have played three games less.  

Southend made the worst of starts, finding themselves 27-2 behind against a team with just six players on their squad and at the end of a very disappointing first quarter the score stood at 33-6.  But there was much greater resolve in the second period.  Led by Ross Mann, Swifts gave a much better account of themselves.  They restricted their opponents to just 21 in the 10 minutes whilst scoring 16 themselves to trail 54-22 at half time. 

The third quarter was an even better effort as the very young squad actually outscored Bedfordshire, with George Cassidy, Jack Adams and David Goates all finding the basket.  The result was never going to be changed but the 66-36 score showed the young men's ability to battle. The home side came out firing in the final 10 minutes but Swifts played some excellent defence, again keeping the very athletic Knights team below 20 points as they ended with an 84-49 loss that was entirely due to the first quarter display.  Mann leading the way with 20 points.    

 

UNDER 18 MENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST DIVISION

CAMBRIDGE CATS 81  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 75

 

A late change of fixture meant that it was a makeshift Southend Swifts under 18 team that travelled out to Cambridge, looking to maintain their play-off position.   Cambridge are in 5^th place but recorded a one point win when the teams met earlier in the season. 

The home side made a great start, taking a 15-3 lead after five minutes but Southend hit back as Oliver Crussell and Graham Oluwadare made their way to the basket.  A three-point play from Alex Smith was the last score of the opening 10 minutes as Cambridge led 24-16. Swifts made a much better start to the second period, putting together a 17-4 run to gain their first lead of the game; Daniel Eagling showing greatly improved offensive skills.  Crussell’s three-point shooting was starting to work but Cats kept in the contest and at the midway point the Essex team's lead was just 40-35.

With Crussell shut down, it was left to Oluwadare and Smith to keep the scoreboard moving and they shared 13 of the 15 points scored in the quarter as their team just held on to lead 55-54 going into the final period.  But from 63-60 behind Cambridge scored 10 straight points which gave them control as Swifts were forced to play catch-up.  Crussell rediscovered his range but his team could never get closer than six as they fell to a disappointing 81-75 defeat with Crussell on 23 points, Smith 22 and Oluwadare 19.

 

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 – MIDLAND/SOUTH EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 85  HINCKLEY LADYHOOPS 68 

So the final game of the day saw the Southend Swifts senior women meet Hinckley Ladyhoops.  Both teams are near the foot of the league table and were looking to climb towards the play-off position.  The teams had met twice in Leicestershire earlier in the season with Southend winning both; once in the league, the other in the National Trophy. 

Swifts started stronger, taking an 11-6 lead after five minutes with Hannah Culwick contributing eight.  Hinckley hit back with a strong spell of their own, outscoring the home side 13-7 to hold a very narrow 19-18 advantage at the end of the opening quarter. But it was two 15 year olds that would wrestle the initiative back to Swifts.  A three-pointer from Beth Robson tied the game up and three successive scores from Francesca Moody helped her team to go 34-29 ahead.  The play from both teams became scrappy but a three-pointer from Katie Doubleday gave her team a 37-33 half time advantage. 

Good work from Jennie Rodgers and Katie Holland got Swifts six ahead and after the teams traded scores, Moody and Robson again found the basket to take their team 54-42 ahead and three more from Robson and a Molly Tappin foul shot made it 58-46 going into the final stanza. Another Culwick three-pointer took the margin to 13 and after Ladyhoops had the next score, a 9-0 run should have made the game safe; Holland contributing five.  But the visitors showed great resolve, making a 9-2 runn of their own that saw them trail just 72-59 with three minutes to play.  Another Culwick trey was answered by one from Hinckley and a trade of scores left it at 79-66 going into the final minute.  However frustration set in for the Midland side and a series of technical fouls were awarded against them that saw Holland convert six straight foul shots that put the game out of sight at 85-68.  Holland 21 points, Culwick 18 and Rodgers 15 leading the scoring.  

 

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14

U14 Boys v London Feltham   -  game postponed as our opponents could not raise a team

 

Senior Women National League Div 2 Midlands South East

Brighton & Sussex Students  75   Southend  Swifts 30

 

 

 

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6

UNDER 18 WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

HARINGEY ANGELS 78  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 58 

After their victory over league leaders Sevenoaks Suns the previous week, Southend Swifts under 18 girls team had hopes of maintaining their momentum when they visited current national champions Haringey Angels.  But they were dealt a major blow when their England centre, Christina Gaskin, was ruled out of the game with an ankle injury, which would certainly restrict them against a team containing players that have joined from a number of other clubs. 

When Angels scored the first six points of the contest a rout seemed possible but three point shots from Jennie Rodgers and Katie Holland tied the game up at six apiece.  A 12-4 run took Haringey clear but not for the first time the season the prodigious shooting of Hannah Culwick, with two three-pointers, got Swifts back into the game with the lead for the hosts just 20-16 at the end of the first quarter. 

Another Culwick long-range effort made it 22-21 but the London side had the next eight to lead by nine.  After an exchange of three-pointers, it was Culwick again to get her team back into contention as they trailed 36-30 and with an old fashioned three-point play from Emily Hankin the half time score was a surprisingly close 37-33 to Haringey. 

But with their scoring resources limited, Swifts conceded 13 points to 4 in the opening six minutes of the third quarter and despite five straight points from Katie Doubleday a 9-0 run for the home side took them 59-42 ahead with one period remaining.  From 64-42 Southend again found some resolve as Culwick, Hankin and Holland maintained their scoring and whilst a 78-58 defeat was disappointing, Southend know that with a full line-up they are a match for any team in the country.  Culwick 19 points, Holland 13 and Hankin 10 leading the scoring.

 

UNDER 18 MENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

ESSEX PIRATES 73  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 83 

The two elder Southend Swifts boys teams made the short journey to take on Essex Pirates in their latest round of games.  First into action were the under 18s, looking to maintain their top four position. 

Pirates started stronger, taking a 13-2 lead after six minutes before good work from Thulani Sibanda and Graham Oluwadare  got Southend back into the fray at 17-12.  But conceding a 10-4 run saw Swifts trail 27-16 at the end of the first quarter.  Matters got worse as from 29-22, Southend conceded 20 of the next 22 points to trail 49-24 and the match seemingly beyond recovery with the half time margin standing at 52-28. 

But whatever was said during the half time interval slowly began to reap rewards.  From 59-36, Swifts remarkably scored the next 22 points with Sibanda, Oluwadare and Oliver Crussell completely dominating proceedings to trail by just one at the end of the third quarter.  With the momentum entirely their way, the same trio continually found their way to the basket as Southend recorded the unlikeliest of victories by 83 points to 73.  Sibanda with 33 points and Crussell and Oluwadare 24 each.

 

UNDER 16 BOYS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH CONFERENCE

ESSEX PIRATES 53  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 62 

After the excitement of the under 18 boys game, it was the turn of Southend Swifts under 16 boys team to seek victory against Essex Pirates, who they have already beaten on two previous occasions this season. Southend took an early 9-5 lead as captain Alex Gilbert found his way to the basket and they maintained their advantage to lead 13-9 at the end of the first quarter.  The home side hit back to lead 18-17 and the teams traded scores for the remainder of the 2^nd period as the hosts led 31-30 at the midway interval. 

Baskets from Gilbert, Ross Mann and the tireless Graham Oluwadare took Swifts 41-35 ahead and despite conceding a 6-2 run, Southend were able to hold on for a 47-43 lead going into the final 10 minutes.  An 8-3 start in the first five minutes settled the nerves and despite some indifferent foul shooting, just three scored from eight attempts, Swifts defence held strong as they recorded a well-deserved 62-53 win with Gilbert on 23 points and Oluwadare 19.

 

UNDER 14 BOYS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH CONFERENCE

IPSWICH TOPCATS 129  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 41 

After a two week break, Southend Swifts under 14 boys made the daunting trip to second in the table Ipswich Tomcats still seeking their first victory of the season.  From two points all, Ipswich put together an 18-2 run that took them clear.  Southend struggled to contain their much more experienced and physically mature opponents as they trailed 36-12 at the end of the first quarter.  The second period saw much of the same as the home side continued to rack up the points as they led 73-14 at half time. 

The third quarter saw Swifts finally create some scoring opportunities but they were unable to convert free throw chances and with 10 minutes remaining they trailed 99-22.  The final quarter was much more positive as the young men gave a much better account of themselves, registering a double figure return on their way to a 129-41 defeat with Perry Osbourne scoring 16 points and Daniel Emmanuel on 10.

 

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

COLCHESTER JAMMERS 31  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 76 

The final two games on a very hectic day for Southend Swifts bizarrely featured the same team, the under 16 girls.  They first outing was away at Colchester Jammers as they sought to maintain third position in the league table. 

From the start, Southend stamped their authority on proceedings.  From 10-2 after four minutes, the margin gradually increased despite constant changes of personnel as Swifts looked to conserve energy for the later game.  From 24-8 at the end of the first quarter, points accumulated rapidly as the lead extended to 49-21 at half time. 

Unsurprisingly the intensity dropped in the second half as is often the position in games such as these.  Southend utilised different line-ups and formations as the scoreline increased to just 61-25 with one period remaining.  The final 10 minutes were again subdued as Swifts recorded a 76-31 win with 9 of their players on the scoresheet.

 

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 70  IPSWICH BOBCATS I 57 

So the final game of a very hectic day saw Southend Swifts under 16 girls have their second game of the day.  This time they were at home at Eastwood High School against Ipswich Bobcats I, who are currently in fifth place in the league table, with some very impressive results of late.

Southend made a good start, taking an 8-3 lead as their pressure defence brought early rewards.  An 8-2 run made the lead double digit but Ipswich showed excellent resolve, putting a similar spell together for themselves to narrow the deficit to just 18-13 at the end of the first quarter. The second period saw tremendous excitement as Bobcats showed how much they had improved as they reduced the margin down to two at 23-21.  However Southend’s Sophie Hankin gave an outstanding  display of shooting, scoring her teams next nine points as the lead went back to seven at 32-25.  But Ipswich replied with seven unanswered to tie the game up before Swifts had the final basket to lead by just two at 34-32 at half time and the game wide open. 

But the half time team talk  had an immediate effect.  A change of defensive tempo and formation kept the visitors scoreless for over five minutes whilst Southend scored 13 themselves to take the conclusive advantage.  With 14 year old Amy Rodgers orchestrating the play, captain Katie Holland was finally able to find her scoring touch with successive three-pointers as the lead grew to 57-35 much to the relief of the home spectators; further scores from Holland giving her team a 59-38 lead going into the final stanza. It was a very scrappy start to the final quarter before another Holland trey made it 63-42.  However an unfortunate accident saw Rodgers crash into the glass behind the basket which meant she was carried from the court with bad bruising.  This obviously disrupted Southend’s flow as Bobcats again showed their toughness in looking to get back into the game.  Hankin left the proceedings to great applause from all of the spectators as a final Holland three-pointer secured the victory by 70 points to 57 in an excellent contest.  Hankin with 30 points and Holland 25 leading the scoring.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7

UNDER 18 MENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 65  HERTFORDSHIRE WARRIORS 59

 

For their second game of the weekend, Southend Swifts under 18 boys team had a home fixture against Hertfordshire Warriors.  The teams were in joint third place in the table with six wins from nine games played.

 

The visitors made the slightly better start, leading 6-5 but Southend hit seven straight with Oliver Crussell contributing five.  Hertfordshire made two 6-2 runs to re-take the lead before a Thulani Sibanda basket tied the game at 18 all at the end of the first quarter. Swifts came out strongly at the start of the second period with the first five points and good work from Sibanda and Graham Oluwadare triggered an 8-3 spell that took the lead out to 31-21.  However, Warriors hit back with the last eight points of the half to trail just 31-29 at the midway interval.

 

Hertfordshire certainly had the momentum and a 9-2 run took them five ahead.  Southend were struggling to get any easy scoring opportunities and after six minutes they were 44-35 down.  An Alex Smith three-pointer seemed to stem the tide but the hosts could get no closer and at the end of the third quarter, Warriors lead was 48-42.  However, for the second time in two days Southend showed huge resolve.  A 10-4 run over the first six minutes brought them level and then a 9-2 spell took them 61-54 ahead; Wilfred Mutero with four.  Warriors had the next five points and going into the last minute it was just 61-59.  But it was Swifts who held their nerve and they had the final four points to record a very hard-earned victory by 65 points to 59.  Oluwadare with 24 points, Crussell 15 and Sibanda 13 leading the way.

 

 

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 – SOUTH DIVISION

LEICESTER CANNONS 72  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 30

 

The three tough girls’ game the previous day meant that Southend Swifts had a number of players unavailable for the journey to Leicester due to injuries.  The home side were at full strength.

 

Southend made a surprising start, taking a 6-2 lead as Katie Holland found her way through the home defence.  But Holland turned her ankle, which restricted her mobility, and Cannons were able to take the initiative.  Swifts were able to restrict their opponents to just 30 points in the first half and battled throughout the contest.  Leicester elected to play a very physical pressing defence for the whole game, which the officials deemed as legal, but the young Southend side kept their resolve and got through the fixture that many other clubs would have forfeited.  Holland 17 points and Hannah Culwick 10 leading their team.

 

SATURDAY JANUARY 30

BOYS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

LONDON SPARTANS 53  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 67 

Southend had a depleted squad and gave a national league debut to Alfie Hunter. Swifts made an strong start, scoring the first eight points and with Ross Mann showing excellent form, the margin increased to 17-4.  Spartans hit back with a 7-0 but Southend had the last three points to lead 20-11 after the opening 10 minutes. The hosts had the better of the early minutes of the second quarter, reducing the deficit to 24-18 but five straight got Swifts 11 ahead.  Spartans again had a 7-0 run but Southend had the last five and at half time it was 34-25. 

London’s excellent three-point shooting was keeping them in the game but with Mann continuing to keep the scoreboard moving the margin remained in double digits.  David Goates and Hunter were taking numerous rebounds allowing Swifts fast break to rack up the points and with one quarter to play it was 49-35. The opening minutes saw Swifts make a crucial move as a George Cassidy three-pointer was part of a 7-0 run that took them 56-37 ahead.  The home side continued to battle, getting back to 60-50 with three minutes remaining but they could get no closer as Southend ended with a 67-53 victory in a very good contest.  Mann had a career high 31 points, with Cassidy on 15 and Goates 8.

 

MENS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST DIVISION

COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA 66  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 71 

Southend Swifts under 18 Mena team made the long journey out to Kings Lynn to take on the College of West Anglia looking to retain their top four spot in the very competitive East Conference.  Southend were missing some of their senior players and had a number of under 16s in action. The home side had the first five points but Swifts hit back to lead 8-5.  Neither side could take a meaningful advantage with the home side leading 17-15 at the end of the first period.  However, the second quarter would see a complete change of fortunes.  Led the Thulani Sibanda, Southend established complete control of the game.  A 15-6 run took them seven ahead and then a 13-4 spell over the final three minutes gave the visitors a 43-27 half time lead; Sibanda with 15 in the quarter. 

A Wilfred Mutero three-pointer helped the margin extend to 48-29 and should have led to a comfortable win. But the Norfolk team hit back with a 17-4 run to reduce the gap to just six before an Alex Gilbert basket made it 54-46 going into the last quarter. Five straight for West Anglia made it a three point game but with the teams swapping baskets it was 64-61 with three minutes to play.  Four foul shots from Gilbert kept the margin in place despite Swifts losing two of their players to five fouls.  It was still a three point advantage in the last minute and it was fitting that Sibanda should make the final two foul shots to give his team a well-deserved 71-66 win; Sibanda with a career high 32 points and Gilbert on 18.

 

SENIOR WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 – SOUTH DIVISION

SEVENOAKS SUNS II 53  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 72 

After a run of defeats, Southend Swifts senior women looked to reverse their fortunes when they travelled to Sevenoaks Suns.  Southend were again understrength and gave Shannon Matthews her first outing at this level. Swifts made a poor start, trailing 9-2 after five minutes, but with Jennie Rodgers starting to get to the basket, the deficit began to reduce.  Matthews had her first senior basket and at the end of the first quarter Sevenoaks lead was just 13-2. Five points from Hannah Culwick gave Southend their first lead and with Katie Holland creating space for herself the margin grew to 26-21.  Suns hit back and despite another Culwick three-pointer the game was tied up at 31 all at half time. 

But whatever was said during the half time interval had the desired effect.  Sevenoaks could find no way to the basket and with 14 year old Amy Rodgers scoring six straight points, Swifts began to pull away.  Consecutive three-pointers from Beth Robson and Holland made it 47-36 and with the younger Rodgers scoring on the fast break the score was 51-40 at the end of the third period. Southend suddenly found their long range shooting touch as Culwick twice and the Rodgers sisters once each hit three point shots to put the game out of sight at 67-43 as the visitors ended with a comfortable 72-53 win with Jennie Rodgers on 29 points, Culwick 13 and Amy Rodgers 11.

 

SUNDAY JANUARY 31

WOMENS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 75  SEVENOAKS SUNS 61 

The final game of the weekend was potentially the most significant as Southend Swifts under 18 girls welcomed Sevenoaks Suns to their home court at Eastwood High School.  The Kent side are currently at the top of the table with just one defeat so far this season and recorded a nine point victory when the teams met in October.  Both teams made a cautious start before a Hannah Culwick three-point shot gave Southend their first lead at 7-6 after four minutes.  Sevenoaks replied with the next five points but Swifts captain Jennie Rodgers hit back with the same amount to keep it a one point game.  A 10-3 spell gave the visitors the initiative as they led 21-15 but eight straight for Southend, with Katie Doubleday contributing four, got them ahead before a Suns basket tied the game up at 23 at the end of the first quarter. Sevenoaks again came out strongly making an 8-2 run that took them ahead before a crucial passage of play.  In three minutes, Swifts scored 12 unanswered points as their pressure defence began to reap rewards.  Christina Gaskin was dominating around both baskets and with Culwick scoring a three-pointer with the most incredibly quick release, it was 37-31.  Suns hit back with the next four but Swifts shot well from the foul line to lead 41-35 at the half time interval. 

The teams traded three-pointers in the opening minute and another Sevenoaks score made it 44-40 but again Swifts hit a purple patch to match their kit.  This time they had a 13-0 run as Katie Holland and Gaskin created havoc in the Suns defence.  Another Culwick three-pointer led a further flurry and with one stanza to play it was 64-45. Holland, Gaskin and Rodgers all scored in the first three minutes and suddenly it was a very unexpected 70-47 lead.  Sevenoaks hit back with seven straight but Doubleday, having her best game of the season, made a three-pointer and another Gaskin score took their team 75-54 ahead and the game over.  Sevenoaks had the final seven points but it would not be enough as Swifts recorded an outstanding 75-61 win that throws the league title open.  Gaskin 28 points, Rodgers 19 and Doubleday 10 leading the scoring.

 

 

SATURDAY JANUARY 23

UNDER 18 WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 81  BRIXTON TOPCATS 70 

A busy weekend of basketball saw the three elder Southend Swifts girls teams all have home matches at Eastwood High School.  First into action were the under 18 team who met this year’s surprise package, Brixton Topcats, who are currently top of the table with 7 wins from 10 games.  Swifts were sitting in third place with six wins from eight games but were forced to play without captain Jennie Rodgers, out with an Achilles injury.

Southend took an early 8-2 lead as their pressing defence brought quick rewards and with Christina Gaskin in dominant form the lead extended to 20-10 after eight minutes of the first quarter.  However, Topcats hit back with 12 unanswered points before an Emily Hankin three-point play gave her team a very narrow 23-22 lead at the end of the opening 10 minutes. The visitors had the first five points of the second period but 10 straight for Swifts gave them back the initiative; gaskin and Katie Holland sharing the spoils.  The Londoners would not be denied and they had a 9-0 run to lead by three and they increased this to 42-38 at the half time interval. 

A change of defensive formation stemmed Brixton’s scoring and a Hannah Culwick three-pointer made it 47-44.  However, Topcats showed their resolve with the next five before Swifts made the crucial break, Led by some outstanding defence from Emma Scudder, who kept Brixton’s main scorer out of range her team-mates combined for the next 10 points to lead 57-49 which was narrowed to 57-52 at three quarter time. The teams shared the first eight points and scores from Culwick and Gaskin made it 65-8.  The margin reduced to five and when Brixton made another three-pointer, it was 69-65 with three minutes to play.  But Katie Doubleday, who was suffering from a stomach upset, came through with the next four points; Scudder converted off a fast break and when Gaskin made a three-point play it was 78-66 into the final minute.  With a flourish from the foul line, the job was finished and Swifts recorded a very hard earned 81-70 win with Gaskin on 37 points, Doubleday 14 and Culwick 11.

 

UNDER 16 GIRLS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 51  HARINGEY ANGELS 87 

This was a crucial game for Southend Swifts under 16 team who were striving for position towards the end of season play-offs.  The visitors were Haringey Angels, who are unbeaten in all play so far this season and who recorded a five-point victory when the teams met earlier in the season. But this time the Londoners established their superiority from the start, opening a 14-2 lead after just five minutes.  Southend could find little or no cohesion and despite three-pointers from Beth Robson and Stephanie Smith the score at the end of the first quarter was 24-10; Smith’s effort right on the buzzer. The second quarter was even worse as Swifts managed just one solitary point as they seemed incapable of carrying out the most basic of skills.  Angels had 20 points and at half time it was a very humbling 44-11.  

But the home side at least showed some character in the second half.  Jessica Holland and Shannon Matthews led from the front and the team had doubled their scoring output after just seven minutes.  The team showed their fighting qualities and with one quarter to play it was 28-63.  For the final quarter, it was Sophie Hankin and the mercurial Hannah Gowland who came to the fore as they combined for the first 11 points to keep the deficit to a reasonable level.  Robson and Hankin kept the scoreboard moving and the final score line of 87-51 meant that the second half had been a three point differential; at least restoring some pride on what was a disappointing day.

 

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 56  LONDON WESTSIDE 84 

The final home game saw Southend Swifts senior team (none of whom are seniors) take on unbeaten London Westside, Southend are having a tough time as their under strength team struggles against much older and experienced opponents. 

The visitors made the better start, taking a 6-2 lead after just two minutes, but Swifts hit back with the next seven points, to take an unexpected lead: Hannah Culwick including a three-pointer in the spell.  The next two Southend scores were also three pointers; Culwick and Sarah Cozens sharing the load, but Westside hit back with the next six to lead 18-15.  However, with Katie Holland finding her way to the basket the hosts kept in the game, trailing just 22-21 at the end of the first quarter. The second period would see a remarkable 10 minutes as the youngsters from Essex gave a remarkable display of long distance shooting.  The first three baskets were all three-pointers, Culwick with two, Holland had the next five points and when Culwick had two further three-pointers, the lead was a most unlikely 40-32 with the team making 27 of their points from very, very long distance. 

But the exertions of the first half had certainly taken their toll.  Culwick was shut down and with Westside using their experience they got themselves in front at 47-45.  After that, it was largely one-way traffic as the London side took the second half by 52 points to 16 to take a deserved victory if by the slightly flattering margin of 84 points to 56.  Culwick with 22 points (including six three-pointers), Holland 18 and Cozens 10 leading a valiant effort.

 

The under 14 boys had two outings over the weekend meeting Westminster Warriors and Newham Academy.  The game against Westminster, who are just one place ahead of Southend, was a nail biter with Swifts battling back from 10 points down at half time to just miss out on their first win of the season as they fell to a 58-55 defeat.  Newham, who are top of the table with an unbeaten record, showed their undoubted pedigree with a 127-25 win.

 

 

SUNDAY JANUARY 24

 

For the under 16 boys there was also disappointment.  Despite being without captain Alex Gilbert, they kept second in the table Islington Panthers within striking distance due to some excellent defensive work.   Trailing 38-28 going into the final quarter, they battled back to one point down at 47-46 but the loss of Graham Oluwadare to five fouls proved too costly as the team lost by a very creditable 53-48 with Oluwadare on 16 points and George Cassidy with 14.

 

For the two youngest girls teams there was a return to winning ways after recent defeats.  The under 14 girls gave a national league debut to 12 year old Megan Jones and the youngster was able to get valuable playing time as Swifts recorded a 107-30 victory over Norfolk Iceni.  From four points apiece, the home side scored the next 32 points to stamp their authority on proceedings, with play that brought prolonged applause from all spectators.  Regular leading scorers Amy Rodgers and Samantha Toole sat out the second half as the team strengthened their hold on second place in the league table.

 

The final fixture in a very hectic weekend saw the under 16 girls travel to Suffolk to take on the Ipswich Bobcats second team.  Swifts scored the first 18 points of the contest, converting a 66-22 half time lead into a 116-37 victory, with constant changes of players.  Katie Holland and Sophie Hankin on 21 points each and Francesca Moody with 19 leading the scoring that saw 7 players in double figures.    

 

SATURDAY JANUARY 16

The under 14 girls suffered just their second defeat of the season, losing again to Haringey Angels.  After a slow start, when they trailed 7-2 after five minutes, the young ladies put in superb 10 minutes of play to lead 22-21 midway through the second quarter.  Some over-zealous officiating mean that Swifts’ two tallest players had both collected four fouls which nullified their effectiveness against Haringey’s already obvious size advantage and the Londoners led 38-26 at half time.  Captain Amy Rodgers gave a superb display but despite this, the lead increased to 61-35 at the end of the third quarter and a rout seemed likely.  However, a hugely spirited final period saw Southend make some inroads but it was never likely to be enough as they fell to a 70-51 defeat in a game of a very high standard for players so young.  Rodgers led the team with 31 points. 

The under 16 boys also travelled to Haringey and they, too, were on the end of a defeat.  The damage was done in the first quarter as the hosts scored five three-point shots to take a 23-8 lead.  Playing catch-up is always a difficult exercise and despite another excellent performance by Graham Oluwadare, Swifts could make no inroads as they fell to an 86-50 loss, with Oluwadare scoring 27. 

The under 18 boys were the first team to get a victory but they did it by the narrowest margin. Visiting Essex & Herts Leopards, they opened a 20-11 first quarter lead with Thulani Sibanda scoring well.  They maintained the nine point gap to the end of the third period and it was still six ahead with five minutes to play.  But going scoreless over the next three minutes saw the game tied at 60.  Swifts had the next four but Leopards again tied the game up in the last minute.  However Oliver Crussell was able to get the final basket to lead his team home by 66 points to 64; Crussell ending with 17 points and Sibanda 16. 

The under 14 boys again fell to a heavy defeat, this time against 3^rd in the table Solent Kestrels, but are certainly showing genuine signs of maturity on court.  Although points scoring is tough, their defensive prowess in greatly improved as they restricted their much more experienced opponents to 82 points against the 134 they conceded earlier in the season.  An 82-29 loss is still a big margin but that first victory cannot be far away. 

The senior women had another difficult outing against league leaders Brighton & Sussex Students but made an outstanding start, leading 10-4 after four minutes, and kept in front by 24-23 at the end of the first quarter.  Injury to captain Jennie Rodgers meant she had to leave the game midway through the second quarter and this took away many of Swifts offensive options.  Surprisingly the South Coast side could not get away and surprisingly the margin was just 52-61 after three minutes of the final quarter but the greater experience of the visitors took them to an 82-61 victory; Katie Holland leading the Swifts scoring with 27 points.

 

SUNDAY JANUARY 17

The under 18 girls met Chiltern Pumas at their Eastwood High School home obviously missing Rodgers through injury.  Some stifling defence restricted Pumas to just five points in the first quarter and at half time it was 37-13.  From 41-15 there was a remarkable sequence with Swifts’ Christina Gaskin scoring her teams next 19 points on their way to a comfortable 82-32 victory; Gaskin ending with 33 points. 

The final game saw the under 16 girls travel to Sevenoaks Suns.  A poor start saw them 14-4 behind but some spirited defensive work narrowed the gap to 28-20 after the opening stanza.  The momentum continued and after three minutes of the second quarter it was 29-27 but a lack of concentration enabled the hosts to open a 46-31 half time lead.  Matters got worse in the third period as the margin continued to increase and with 10 minutes to play it was 68-44.  A 16-4 run took Suns 84-48 ahead with five minutes to play and on their way to a crushing victory.  But from nowhere Swifts remembered what they could do.  In three minutes they scored five three-point shots with Beth Robson contributing four of them.  A remarkable 21 points unanswered was not enough to secure victory but the journey home was a little more bearable.  Holland 24 and Robson 20 leading the scoring    

 

 

SATURDAY JANUARY 9

GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

NEWHAM YOUNGBLOODS 31  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 90 

With all of their other weekend fixtures postponed due to travel difficulties, the only Southend Swifts team able to take to the court were their under 14 girls team.  They made the relatively short journey to East London to meet Newham Youngbloods who are currently in 6^th place in the league table with one win from five games played; Southend currently in second position with just one defeat from the same number of matches.  Swifts gave a National league debut to 13 year old 5’ 11” Abbey Parsons.  

Given the three week Christmas break it was hardly surprising that it was a fairly lethargic start by both teams as Southend led just 9-3 after the opening five minutes; captain Amy Rodgers contributing seven.  However, Newham’s time-out served the visitors better as they scored the next 20 points to take a decisive advantage; Abbie Jones and Bethany Cooper both with four in the run. Swifts were already rotating their personnel and much to the delight of her new team mates, Parsons scored with her first-ever attempt as the margin gradually increased to 35-7.  Youngbloods were having their best spell, keeping Southend’s scoring in check.  A 6-2 run for Southend made it 53-12 and the second quarter ended with Deanna Blake also getting her first National League basket as her team led 47-15. 

Swifts’ defence was much more passive as they looked at different playing line-ups, leaving Rodgers on the bench for the whole of the third period.  However, excellent passing from Fay Solkhon provided scoring opportunities for her colleagues, which Kate Livermore and Samantha Toole gratefully converted and suddenly the lead was 40 at 59-19.  A Solkhon three-pointer and four points from Lucy Lawless helped the Essex side to a 70-27 advantage with one stanza remaining. Lawless again had four points as her team shared the first eight points in the opening two minutes. The Newham players, who had battled tirelessly up to that juncture, seemed to run out of steam as Swifts had the final 16 points of the contest to end up comfortable winners by 90 points to 31.  Once again there was a very good points spread with Rodgers on 19, Lawless and Jones 12 and Cooper and Toole 10.     

 

 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 19

WOMENS SENIOR DIVISION 2 – MIDLAND SOUTH EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 62  LEICESTER CANNONS 90 

With the two age groups matches postponed due to travelling difficulties, the final Southend Swifts game of 2009 saw the senior women take on Leicester Cannons at Eastwood High School.  Southend were once again missing a number of influential players as they met a vastly experienced team who are currently in second place in the league table. 

Swifts made a terrible start, conceding the first eight points of the contest and despite a Katie Doubleday score it was 14-2 after five minutes and the East Midland side looking to record a very comprehensive victory.  However, the young Essex team suddenly found their confidence and led by seven points from Katie Holland they got back to 17-11.  Leicester replied with the next four but seven straight for the hosts left the scoreline at just 18-21 at the end of the first quarter. The second period was a very strange ten minutes in terms of the scoring pattern.  Cannons scored eight straight before finding themselves kept scoreless for six minutes although Southend could manage just seven points themselves in that time with Hannah Culwick contributing five.  The final two minutes would see the visitors go on a 7-0 run that gave them a 36-25 half time lead. 

The third quarter saw both offences on top, with a barrage of three-point shots.  From 41-29, Culwick hit two successive long-range efforts but some good work from Cannons Lisa Roberts helped her team to pull 54-35 clear.  Swifts came back with 11 straight and it was another batch of runs, eight for Leicester and six for Southend, which saw the margin at just 10 at 62-52 with one quarter remaining. But on this occasion it would be a triumph of experience over youth. With Culwick’s scoring threat nullified, the hosts were unable to maintain their scoring touch whilst Cannons were seemingly able to score at will.  Despite good work from the tireless Sophie Hankin, Leicester were able to score 11 points in the last three minutes to record a deserved victory if by the slightly flattering margin of 90 points to 62.  Culwick with 20 points, Doubleday 16, Holland 11 and Hankin 10 leading the scoring.

 

 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12

BOYS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

BADDOW EAGLES 53  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 52 

A truncated fixture schedule for Southend Swifts, following the postponement of their senior womens match, saw their under 14 boys team make the short trip to Great Baddow as they sought their first victory of the season.  The young men have struggled competing with some very big and experienced opponents but were hopeful of turning their fortunes around against a team actually below them in the table by virtue of having forfeited a number of games. 

Both teams made nervous starts and after five minutes it was just four points apiece.  Baddow got the first advantage at 10-6 but good work from Jack Edwards and Daniel Emmanuel pegged the lead back and at the end of the first quarter the home side held a narrow 14-12 lead. Baskets from Perry Osbourne and Emmanuel gave Southend a narrow advantage and the teams traded scores with Swifts leading 22-21 after four minutes of the second period.  The visitors’ poor foul shooting was certainly stopping then opening a meaningful gap as Eagles scored six straight.  Emmanuel kept his team in it but at the half time interval, Baddow led 31 points to 26. 

The hosts came out stronger, scoring five unanswered, to open a 10 point lead.  Sam Read triggered a 6-2 run that stemmed the tide and looked to have got his team back into contention.  Eagles managed to regain their composure and despite further scores from Read and Emmanuel, an 8-4 spell gave them a 46-36 lead going into the final quarter. Baskets from Read and Alex Moyies gave Swifts some hope but with neither side able to take their scoring chances, it was 51-43 after six minutes of the final quarter; indeed the scorers had not been troubled for more than three minutes.  Edwards finally broke the duck but Baddow replied quickly and the scoreboard showed 53-45 with three minutes to play.   

However, the home side seemed to freeze as they sensed their first victory.  Edwards made one foul shot followed by two Emmanuel baskets and going into the final minute it was 53-50.  After more missed foul shots, Edwards scored again and with 35 seconds left it was 53-52 and the crowd on the edge of their seats.  Southend had two more foul shots but with nerves frayed they were both squandered.  Baddow missed their next shot but Swifts turned the ball over again and the chance was lost as they fell to the narrowest of defeats by 53 points to 52. 

This was undoubtedly Southend’s best performance of the season led by Emmanuel with 24 points, Edwards 11 and Read 8 but they will rue the 15 missed foul shots out of 19 attempts.

 

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 74  SOLENT SUNS 52 

The only other game on the day saw Southend Swifts under 16 girls team look to continue their winning streak as they welcomed Solent Suns to their Eastwood High School home.  Southend had won their last six games as had Solent, so a tough encounter had to be expected. 

Swifts made a slow start, failing to score for the first three minutes, to trail by two, before they scored eight straight to open their first lead.  Suns replied with the next four, as the hosts again went scoreless for three minutes as captain Katie Holland was forced off the court with a leg injury.  However, six points from Sophie Hankin got the momentum back as her team led 16-10 at the end of the first quarter. A 8-0 run, with scores from Jessica Holland, Shannon Matthews and four from Hankin, took the margin to 14 and Southend kept up their work rate to lead 30-16.  Solent hit back with five straight but the home side regained their composure and they closed out the quarter with a 6-2 spell that gave them a 35-23 half time lead. 

Scores from Hankin and Lauren Tate further extended the margin but Suns battled back and they hit seven straight to reduce the deficit to just nine at 39-30.  This seemed to spur Swifts on and a three-pointer from Katie Holland and an inside move by Stephanie Smith started a 15-4 run that gave them a conclusive 54-34 lead with one stanza remaining. A three-pointer and a lay-up from Beth Robson took the lead to 25 and with Hannah Gowland finding space around the basket the margin got close to 30.  Southend were rotating their personnel as they rested players in advance of the following day’s cup quarter final.  Francesca Moody, having her best game of the season, converted four foul shots in a row as her team ran out winners of a very good contest by 74 points to 52.  Hankin 24 and Holland 17 leading the scoring.   

 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 13

GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 108  BRENTWOOD FIRE 58 

The first match of a long and exciting day of basketball at Eastwood High School saw Southend Swifts under 14 girls team look to extend their three game winning streak when they met Brentwood Fire, who have two wins from four games played. 

Southend made a sensational start, scoring the first 14 points of the contest as their pressing defence caused havoc; Fay Solkhon and Samantha Toole with four points apiece.  Brentwood finally got onto the scoreboard, but three straight baskets by Amy Rodgers made it 20-2 after just five minutes.  The visitors battled back, with six of the next eight points, before a 6-3 spell gave Swifts a 30-15 first quarter advantage. A Rodgers three-pointer started a 7-0 run but Southend seemed to relax letting Brentwood back into the game as their Ellie Warden began to score close to the basket.  Solkhon was the only Swifts registering on the scorebook as the match seemed to have taken a surprising turn with the home side's lead just 43-31. 

However, whatever was said at half time had the desired effect.  A 5-2 run took the lead to 15, which was followed by three consecutive three-pointers, two from Samantha Toole, the other from Rodgers, and suddenly it was 63-37.  Swifts were playing superlative defence to keep Fire away from the basket whilst showing great speed of movement when they had the ball themselves.  With Lucy Lawless creating scoring opportunities for herself and Rodgers and Toole keeping the scoreboard moving, they racked up 33 points in the 10 minute period whilst conceding just eight to lead 76-39. Changes of personnel had little effect as Bethany Cooper had the first six points of the final quarter.  The defensive intensity certainly dropped but with Rodgers scoring at will, the offensive firepower continued.  Kate Livermore had the final six points as her team ran out deserved winners by 108 point to 58.  Rodgers again led the way with 40 points with Toole on 16, Cooper a career high 14 and Solkhon 13.

 

WOMENS UNDER 18 NATIONAL CUP QUARTER FINAL

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 50 HARINGEY ANGELS 62 

These perennial rivals met for the second time in seven days; this time in the quarter final of the National Cup.  Southend had recorded a 16 point victory the previous week so Haringey would certainly be looking for revenge.  

Defensive intensity was again to the fore as neither side were able to score in the first two minutes before Swifts captain Jennie Rodgers opened her teams account with four points.  Angels tied the game up and despite four points from Rosie Hynes the scores were level at eight after seven minutes.  A three-pointer from Hannah Culwick and another Rodgers basket took the gap to five before the visitors replied with the last score to trail 13-10 at the end of the opening 10 minutes. Katie Doubleday got Swifts straight into action in the second period with three quick points and an Emily Hankin 15 footer made it 18-10.  The London side replied with six straight and the teams traded baskets as Southend led just 23-21 after six minutes.  Suddenly the hosts really clicked into gear and they scored nine unanswered points to lead 32-21; Rodgers contributing five.  Haringey again hit back and a 6-2 spell for them made it 34-27 at the half time interval. 

A 6-0 run for Angels made it a one point game but a Doubleday three-pointer and a Hynes basket took the lead back to six.  The teams again traded scores but a 6-1 run over the final three minutes certainly transferred the momentum as Southend held a slender 44-42 lead going into the last quarter.Angels tied the game up before another Culwick three-pointer broke the deadlock.  Swifts suffered a major blow as Rodgers was very harshly adjudged to have recorded her fifth personal foul that meant she could take no further part in this game.  This certainly put Haringey in the ascendancy and they put on an excellent display of shooting from distance as they scored 18 of the final 21 points that left Southend on the end of a very disappointing 50-62 scoreline that puts them out of this season's cup competition.  Rodgers 12 and Hynes 11 the only players able to get into double figures.

 

GIRLS UNDER 16 NATIONAL CUP QUARTER FINAL

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 56  NOTTINGHAM WILDCATS 57 

After the disappointment of their under 18 team, it was for Southend Swifts under 16 girls team to attempt to reach the cup semi finals.  Their opponents would be Nottingham Wildcats, who have suffered just one defeat so far this season and have one of the tallest line-ups in the country.  Southend were looking to nurture captain Katie Holland through the contest; the youngster having suffered a thigh injury the previous day.  

Swifts made a disastrous start trailing 10-1 after five minutes as they failed to come to terms with Nottingham's very physical defence.  When they did get through, scoring chances were spurned and it looked like this would be a very difficult afternoon.  Holland and Beth Robson finally scored but Wildcats were well in control and at the end of the first quarter they led 16-7. The second period started little better as the Essex side had just a Robson three-pointer in the first four minutes whilst Nottingham had seven points.  Sophie Hankin finally began to get onto the scoresheet as she had six of her teams next seven points but the Midlanders composure kept them ahead to lead 35-22 going into the last minute.  However, another Holland basket and the most unlikely of fast break lay-ups from Hannah Gowland gave some semblance of hope as Swifts trailed 35-26 at half time. 

Scores from Holland and Stephanie Smith made it an 8-0 run but six straight for Wildcats made the lead double digit at 41-30.  Holland and Smith again combined for six unanswered points but the visitors re-took the initiative to finish with a 5-1 spell to lead 46-37 going into the final stanza. A three-pointer again took Nottingham clear but a 10-3 run, including an unlikely Smith three-pointer, made it 52-47 and the crowd getting extremely excited.  The teams split six points and with two minutes to play it was 55-50.  Wildcats had the first score but Holland, despite her obvious lack of mobility, and four from Hankin made it 57-56 with 15 seconds to play.  With the noise at an incredible crescendo Nottingham maintained possession before one of their players was fouled which gave her two foul shots with eight seconds left.  Unsurprisingly, with the incredible tension, both were missed but Wildcats took the rebound and they were able to keep possession to record victory in the most exciting of contests.  Holland and Hankin, both on 15, Smith 11 and Robson 10 had led the scoring in the kind of match that Swifts would like to play every week.

 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 5th

UNDER 16 GIRLS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

HOUNSLOW HAWKS 27  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 72

It was a girls only day for Southend Swifts with their three age group teams in action.  First up were the under 16s who are on an unbeaten runs of five games following two defeats in their first three outings.  They travelled to Hounslow Hawks, who are a new team to national league basketball, and have had a tough baptism with just one victory from nine games played.

 Whether it was the early morning tip-off or the cold gymnasium that affected their performance is unclear but Swifts made a very scrappy start scoring just once in the first three minutes.  However, led by Captain Katie Holland they showed some of their normal form, running in 13 unanswered points to lead 15-3 and maintained their momentum to hold a 20-5 first quarter advantage. Constant changes of personnel didn’t necessarily help with the overall rhythm but a three-pointer from Francesca Moody, just back from illness, and good work from Shannon Matthews, helped their team to extend the margin to 20 at 35-15 at the half time interval. 

In a subdued contest, runs of 7-2 and 8-2 further increased the lead as Southend tried various playing formations and with one period remaining it was 52-22.  Matthews and Gaby Freedman found their way to the basket and a Kiki Gilbert three-pointer took the lead close to 40.  Jess Holland was providing her normal energy and she had her team’s final two scores as Southend completed a 72-27 victory over very spirited opposition. Kate Holland with 17 points and sister Jess on11 led the scoring with 10 of the Swifts players on the score sheet.

 

UNDER 14 GILRS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

HOUNSLOW HAWKS 41  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 83 

After their under 16 colleagues’ success, it was the turn of Southend Swifts under 14 girls to take to the court when they too met Hounslow Hawks.  Southend held a two wins from three games record whilst Hounslow, who are new to the league, have one win from four contests.  

Swifts made a very fast start as Kate Livermore had the first two baskets that saw her team 10-0 ahead after three minutes.  After Hawks made one foul shot, the Essex side ran in the next 13 points to take a conclusive advantage at 23-1; Abbie Jones with five.  Four straight for Fay Solkhon helped her team to a 29-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. Hounslow showed their undoubted potential by scoring the first five points but good work from Jones and Samantha Toole gave Swifts back the initiative.  Scores from Bethany Cooper and the unusually subdued Amy Rodgers prevented the hosts getting back into the contest and at half time, the lead was 42-21 although Rodgers had been adjudged to have committed her fourth personal foul. 

With their captain remaining on the bench, it was for the other Swifts to step into the breach, which they did with great aplomb.  Solkhon controlled the tempo as well as scoring herself and with Jones and Cooper controlling the rebounds, the margin went above 30 as the young ladies showed their continuing maturity; the score at the end of three quarters standing at 60-27. To their great credit, Hounslow continued to battle but three successive baskets by Jones stopped their resurgence.  Rodgers finally reappeared with five minutes to play and she scored nine of her teams last eleven points as they recorded a very well-deserved 83-41 victory.  There were five Swifts players in double figures with the plaudits going to Abbie Jones with a career high 21 points.

 

UNDER 18 WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 71  HARINGEY ANGELS 55 

The final club game of the day was back at Eastwood High School when Southend Swifts under 18 girls met National Champions Haringey Angels.  The teams have had many titanic battles over the years, none more so that the overtime thriller at Haringey earlier in the season when the London side had a one-point victory after Swifts had led by five with two minutes remaining. 

Both teams made a scrappy start as defences held the upper hand.  In the first six minutes there were just 12 points scored as neither side could convert scoring opportunities.  Angels led 10-8 after eight minutes but a Swifts change of formation had the desired effect and they had the final nine points to lead 17-10 at the end of the first quarter; Christina Gaskin already with nine personal. As to be expected, Haringey hit back with the first six points of the second period but Southend captain Jennie Rodgers stemmed the tide with four of the next six points as the margin moved back to seven.  Gaskin was a tower of strength at both ends and she had seven of her teams’ next eight points as the lead became double digit at 32-21.  A foul shot from Molly Tappin made it a 12 point game but a three-pointer from Jay-Ann Harriott kept the visitors in the contest at 35-26 at the half time break. 

Angels started with the first three points but Gaskin and Rodgers would not back down and they shared the next eight points as the lead went to 43-32.  The final six minutes would be decisive as the intensity levels were raised further notches.  A Gaskin three-pointer was followed by an inside move and Rodgers went through a crowd to make it 51-34.  Haringey had the next four but Gaskin, Katie Doubleday and Katie Holland again got to the basket and with one stanza remaining it was an unlikely 57-38.

Swifts remember only too well Angels' ability to make a comeback.  Nerves appeared as they managed just one point in the first five minutes although their defence restricted the Londoners to just four points.  However, up stepped Rosie Hynes to make a three-pointer that took Southend to 61-42.  But to the astonishment of the crowd, Haringey had the next nine points and suddenly the margin was just 10 with three minutes to play.  But this Swifts team have two national championships behind them.  A Rodgers basket was followed by another Hynes three-pointer.  Angels scored again but a pair of Rodgers foul shots and a third three-pointer in the quarter from Hynes settled matters as Southend recorded an outstanding 71-55 victory that takes them to 2^nd place in the league table.  Gaskin with 29 points, Rodgers 23 and Hynes 11 leading the scoring.   

 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 6th

UNDER 14 BOYSNATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 36  WORTHING THUNDER 99 

After the successes of the three girls’ teams the previous day, it was down to Southend Swifts three boys teams to see action as Eastwood High School staged home games for each of them.  First up were the under 14 boys, still seeking to break their duck in terms of results, but who are showing huge improvement each week. 

The opening minutes looked promising as Nathan Smith had three early points as Swifts led 5-4. However a run of 21 straight points took Thunder clear and they consolidated their advantage to lead 29-12 at the end of the opening quarter,  Fortunes were worse in the second period as Southend managed just four points against their opponents 22 to trail 51-16 at the half time interval. Worthing switched to a full court press in the third quarter and gained numerous turnovers despite some very spirited work from Perry Osbourne, who had six of Swifts’ ten points, as the margin increased to 88-26 with the final 10 minutes to come.  Thunder’s quest to reach the 100 mark was thwarted by some hard defensive work from Southend who actually shaded the final period but this could not prevent another tough loss by 99 points to 36, with Osbourne on 14 points and Smith with 11.

 

UNDER 16 BOYS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 61  OXFORD BROOKES EAGLES 76 

Next was the turn of Southend Swifts under 16 boys who met Oxford Brookes Eagles for the first time this season.  Southend went into the game with two wins from six games played whilst Oxford had three wins from their opening five games. 

Swifts made a strong start with captain Alex Gilbert scoring his team’s first six points but Oxford hit back to lead 10-6.  Graham Oluwadare made his presence felt around the basket as neither team could seize the initiative and at the end of the first quarter the visitors held a 16-13 lead. A three-pointer for Eagles looked set to take them clear but an 8-0 run for the hosts gave them a 21-19 advantage four minutes into the second period.  Oxford hit back well, with some excellent shooting from distance, and they re-took the lead at 30-27.   Oluwadare had the next three points to tie the game up before the visitors had the final basket to hold a narrow 32-30 advantage at the midway interval.

 Southend made a slow start to the third quarter as they conceded the first six points but a superb 13-4 run took them 43-42 ahead after six minutes and the crowd becoming very animated.  Eagles battled back to get their noses in front but good work from Jordan Smith, having his best Swifts game of the season, got it back level before Oxford just winning the period to lead 52-47 going into the final 10 minutes. Strong work from Oluwadare further reduced the deficit but an excellent 16-1 run gave Oxford the conclusive advantage.  Swifts continued to battle but there was no way back as they lost what had been an excellent contest by 76 points to 61.  Oluwadare with 28 points, Smith 13 and Gilbert 12 leading the scoring.

 

UNDER 18 MENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 74  IPSWICH TOMCATS 109 

The third of a series of tough home games for their boys’ teams saw Southend Swifts under 18 side take on top of the table Ipswich Tomcats at Eastwood High School.  The Suffolk outfit are unbeaten in five games whist Southend have suffered two defeats following victories in their opening three matches. 

A sloppy start saw Swifts trail 14-3 after just four minutes and matters got worse as they found themselves 26-10 down and the match effectively over after just eight minutes.  Thulani Sibanda seemed the only player to show any passion and his three-point play helped slightly reduce the deficit to 30-17 at the end of the first quarter. Tomcats displayed far greater desire in every aspect and they were scoring at will as the margin increased to 48-23   Sibanda was again the only player making any contribution and at half time the score stood at 62-31. 

However, the second half would at least see a more spirited effort.  Wilfred Mutero and Oliver Crussell began to find the basket and the score line was at least kept within respectability as Ipswich led 86-52 with one stanza remaining.  The rate of scoring from both teams perhaps belied a lack of defensive intensity as Tomcats recorded a well-deserved victory by 109 points to 74.  Sibanda 25 and Crussell 17 leading the scoring on a disappointing day.

 

SENIOR WOMENS NATIONAL TROPHY – QUARTER FINAL

SEVENOAKS SUNS 70  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 43 

When injuries, illness and other unavailabilities hit a team, it is very easy to seek a postponement or even default from a fixture and that was a decision that confronted Southend Swifts before their National Trophy quarter final at Sevenoaks.  Their decision, however, was easy; take the older players that were available and then take some of the much younger ones so that, at least, they could maintain the spirit of the game. 

A first quarter deficit of 23-1 perhaps indicated that it may have been the wrong decision but with Kate Holland managing to get to the basket Swifts actually shaded the second quarter to trail 35-15 at the half time break.  

The third period was rather more disappointing as Southend could manage just six points to trail 60-21 and a rout seeming to be the only outcome.  Sevenoaks came out in the fourth quarter determined to keep the young Swifts scoreless and for the first three minutes this seemed probable.  However, a time out produced a remarkable change in fortunes.  Holland hit a three-point shot and Hannah Culwick, who had a nightmare afternoon up to this juncture, converted another.  Sevenoaks replied with two points before came a most incredible sequence as Culwick scored four successive three points shots in just three minutes of play.  The Sevenoaks crowd, who had been very vociferous, suddenly became very quiet, as the all Essex based youngsters gave an incredible display of their skills.

The final result of 70-43 could easily have been 100-20 but that is the beauty of sport.  Holland with 18 points and Culwick 17, all in five minutes of play in the 4^th quarter, had steered their very young team mates through a very daunting situation.

 

 

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28

 

UNDER 14GIRLS  NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 92  IPSWICH BOBCATS 46

 On a quiet week for club games, Southend Swifts under 14 girls were first into action when they welcomed Ipswich Bobcats to Eastwood High School.  Southend had played just two games so far this season, with the last one six weeks previously, so knew they would be in for a tough battle against a team unbeaten in their three games so far. 

And so it proved as Swifts found themselves 10-6 down after six minutes as their normal cohesion was missing with foul shots and easy scoring chances spurned.  A time out was called and suddenly all the lights came on.  An 8-1 run got the lead and a Fay Solkhon three-pointer started another 10-0 stretch and from nowhere it was 24-11 at the end of the opening quarter; Amy Rodgers already with 13. With the bit between their teeth, Southend were in no mood to let up.  Superlative defensive work from Abbie Jones and Samantha Toole kept Bobcats tall players away from the basket as another 8-0 run made it 32-11 and a total turnaround in the team's fortunes.  Bethany Cooper and Lucy Lawless got themselves onto the scoresheet and with the irrepressible Rodgers scoring at will it was 39-12 after seven minutes.  Ipswich struck back with the next two baskets but despite some disappointing foul shooting (eight missed in the first half) an 8-2 spell gave the home side a 47-18 half time lead.

 

Having played such few games obviously fuelled the adrenaline as the young ladies maintained their work rate.  The backcourt duo of Rodgers and Solkhon completely controlled the tempo and with Jones, Toole and Kate Livermore making huge contributions it was 67-27 after seven minutes.  Swifts, as ever, were rotating their line-up with Chloe Bates particularly effective at the defensive end. The final quarter saw Rodgers sitting out as the younger players gained valuable playing time.  Both Deanna Blake and Chloe Spencer gave some inkling of their undoubted potential as they gave Jones and Toole a well-deserved rest.  Rodgers returned for the final four minutes and she calmly slotted home two three-pointers as part of a 15-7 finale that gave her side a well-deserved 92-46 victory against some very spirited and hard-working opposition.   

Rodgers ended with 42 points with Solkhon on 16 and Toole 14.

 

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 41  SEVENOAKS SUNS II 84

Surprisingly the end of November saw Southend Swifts seniors first home game of the season having played three away matches so far.  But, for Southend, this was certainly not a senior fixture as a plethora of injuries, illness and unavailabilities meant it was almost an under 16 team that took to the court. 

Unsurprisingly it was never going to be a contest as Swifts found themselves 12-2 down after six minutes on the way to a 23-6 first quarter deficit.  Some good three-point shooting from Katie Holland and Hannah Culwick gave a little hope at 17-30 but that would be the closest as Suns lead mounted.  

It would be easy to say that this was very valuable experience at this level but this is not why Swifts enter the senior division.  The final score of 84-41 is hugely disappointing despite Holland's 18 points and 11 from Culwick.

 

UNDER 14 BOYS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

BRENTWOOD FIRE 143  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 54 

Southend Swifts’ youngest boys team continue to battle in what is undoubtedly the toughest under 14 league in the country.  They suffered another heavy defeat at the hands of Brentwood but this was, again, another spirited performance as new players start to make their mark.  

This week it was Eastwood High school pupil Perry Osbourne who featured with 29 points with 6’ 3” Nathan Smith again making telling contributions at both ends of the court.  With incredible determination from the whole squad, the elusive first victory cannot be too far away.

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21st