EBL D1 WOMEN'S WEEKEND WRAP-UP

Archers and GB Standard Life U20's coach, Damian Jennings, commented: "Obviously a win is the first tick in the box, but I think we also gave the 220 fans here today something to enjoy and get behind.

"We played the game quick, which at times left us open defensively, but we will put those things right going forward. More importantly we are building chemistry with a new group of players that won't happen overnight, but there are some good signs.

"I thought Sarah Wagstaff and Rebecca Brough came off the bench and made a real difference. It was great to see our new foreign contingent deal with a different style of officiating and game style so well.

"I also thought Kate Butters and Nicki Avery made a solid impact at the offensive end and I really feel they have more expressive offense to give. And of course it was also good to see our two seniors, captain Stef Collins and Meg Hoffman settle back into the team having only arrived back from the States on Monday."

Another coach happy with their teams performance was GB Standard Life Women's Assistant Coach, Vanessa Ellis who also coaches the City of Sheffield Hatters. The Hatters had a positive weekend when they overcame a stubborn Sevenoaks Suns team to open their defence of the Women's Division One title with an 80-74 victory on Saturday.

Ellis' Hatters shaded the first period 21-17 and looked to have taken control as they went into the locker room 45-35 ahead.But the Suns fought back to trail only 59-56 at the final break before the Hatters wrapped things up with a 21-18 fourth quarter.

The all-London tie at Barking Abbey saw the home town Leopards defeat Brixton Topcats 76-56.

The Big Cats seem to have found a replacement for GB Standard Life player Natalie Stafford after she left to head to Australia to play for the Sydney Flames. Niamh Dwyer poured in 31 points to lead the young Leopards to victory.

The battle of last year's fourth and third placed teams saw Leeds Carnegie beaten 58-45 at home by Nottingham Wildcats.

The home side led 13-10 at the first break, but saw that advantage cut to 21-20 at half-time. Wildcats continued to boss the game, and the turning point was the third quarter when the size and strength of Wildcats started to tell as Andrea Congreaves scored back-to-back baskets helping them outscore the hosts 21-11 to lead by nine at the final break.

New Nottingham coach and GB Standard Life men's Assistant Manager, Phil Waghorn, was happy with his team's display. "It is always good to get the first win and whereas it was never easy, I felt we had some good signs executing the plays but just lacked the finish," he said. "I am sure this will come with time and will be helped with the arrival of our point guard this week, who should make it easier for us to get into our offence quicker."