Leopards upset Wildcats in weekend's only game
21st March 2011by Dave Ryan
Barking Abbey Leopards' coach Damian Kennedy was delighted after his side pulled off a shock 70-67 victory against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday evening.
"We were delighted with the performance on Saturday," he said. "We gave ourselves a chance in the game with our work rate. Defensively we were tough on every possession. Offensively we took care of the ball and were aggressive; we shared the ball nicely. Against their pressure defence we showed composure and made plays when we were ready. It was great for us to get a win against a team like Nottingham.
"We've been 'in' games against the top of the table teams coming down the stretch and to finally close one out was enjoyable."
Leopards' win means the title looks destined to remain with City of Sheffield Hatters, who now need two wins from their final four games, although they can seal a fifth straight championship by beating Wildcats on Saturday as they would have the head-to-head decider.
Leopards rushed into a 23-11 first period lead, and were 40-25 up at half-time. The visitors chipped five off that lead in the third period and won the fourth 18-15, but Kennedy's side held on for the surprise victory.
Niamh Dwyer led all scorers with 40 points for Leopards, with Shequila Joseph adding 19. Wilesia Hardy finished with 28 for Wildcats, with Hannah Shaw chipping in with 13 and Siobhan Prior ten.