BASKETBALL – PA FRIDAY MAY 20

May 20 2011 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH Phoenix Senior Women were in action for the first time this season – last in the Jean Findlay Trophy – as they hosted Abertay University at Perth Academy.

The first quarter was a close affair up until the last two minutes of the period, with Phoenix having managed to play all seven players within the first quarter, they had been competitive throughout, but Abertay had opened a seven point lead.

The second quarter was a much tighter period with both teams trading baskets; in particular, Phoenix centre Lydia Philpott was on a scoring run, picking up 10 points in the first half, and helping Phoenix draw the second quarter 10–10.

This was enough to keep Abertay in front by the same seven point margin they had amassed in the first period.

However, Phoenix came out fighting in the third quarter, led by Jo Wilson with eight points in this quarter alone, while the team defence restricted Abertay to shooting difficult shots throughout the quarter, allowing Phoenix to wing the quarter 16–8 and take a one point lead into the final period.

Phoenix started the fourth quarter where they left off in the third and opened up a five point gap. Abertay responded as guard, Kerry Dunn found her shooting touch, scoring 10 points in this quarter alone. With five seconds left on the game clock, Abertay had a two point lead, but Phoenix had possession in their opponents half. Coach Kesson called time-out and went through the final offence with the team. Phoenix ran the offence and got the final shot, but the ball rimmed out allowing Abertay to secure the victory by two points, 47–45.

On Sunday Phoenix were represented at the annual Tayside and Fife Blitz tournament in Dundee by their Senior Men’s team and their Junior Men’s team, competing in the men’s competition. Both teams had successful days in many ways with the Junior Men reaching the semi-final of the silver section of the tournament, and the Senior Men reaching the same stage in the Gold section of the tournament. Unfortunately both teams were responsible for their own downfall in their games, and both narrowly missed out on a place in the final.

The Senior Men will be in action on Thursday night against Dunfermline Steel in the Cup, and will tackle Dundee Phantoms next Wednesday (May 25), in the playoffs. Both games will take place at Perth Academy with 7.45pm tip-off times.