Basketball: Amazons are back - but are shot down by Flames

Having won the Sussex Cup at the end of last season, their debut in the Sussex League was expected to be a fast and exciting game, with both having something to prove.

Flames started well, scoring two three-pointers in the first quarter and using their young quick players to beat Amazons on fast breaks.

Amazons were slow to warm up in their first game and trailed at the end of the first quarter 19-5.

After an encouraging team talk at quarter time, Amazons upped their game at both ends, scoring five unanswered baskets in a row.

Their dynamic defence managed to halt any more three-pointers from the home team, and by half-time the score stood at 23-15 to Flames.

Amazons’ first-half nerves seemed to return after the half-time break as they took five minutes to score their first points of the third quarter.

A good run from the Flames captain saw her score seven points in a row with Amazons struggling to contain her outside shots and strong drives to the basket. Amazons were disappointed to be 40-26 down at the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter saw Amazons’ intensity grow as they went out to prove they were worthy competitors in this league.

Flames got more desperate to control the play, which meant they ended up with team fouls, allowing Amazons six easy points at the end.

But just as Amazons were getting up to speed the final buzzer sounded and it ended 53-44.

AMAZONS: Debs Wilson 11, Ellen Campbell 8, Zsofia Vitanyi 7, Lydia Stapely 6, Jo Lowe 6, Ellie Thorne 4, Mel Phillips 2, Rosie Camburn.

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