London’s Girls ensured both the male and female titles stayed in the nation’s capital for the second straight year as they literally cruised through the Under 14 Inter-regional tournament in Lilleshall last weekend.

 

A 51-24 win in the playoff final versus the East region saw them finish the weekend with a perfect 5-0 record as they held their opponents to an average of just under 16 points per game.

 

The performance gives London’s boys and girls back to back titles at the national event held each year in Lilleshall.

 

Below is a brief report from Mr Norman Waldron, National Secretary of the ESBBA:

 

The standard of play in the Girls’ Tournament has improved out of all recognition compared with that we saw when the 10 team regional format was first adopted six years ago. Skill levels have improved and the players are demonstrating that they understand the game and what is expected of them.

 

London emulated the performance of their boys’ team by successful defending the title they won last year and proving very worthy champions. The East ran them close in the first half of the final during the all-must-play regulations, but succumbed to the superior height and athleticism of the London team during the second half.

 

There weren’t as many close games as in previous years to keep the crowd on their toes, but what was never in doubt was the commitment, enthusiasm and positive attitude of all teams regardless of their eventual position.

 

After London, Pool B proved to be comprised of the stronger teams, demonstrated by the ease with which they dismissed their opponents in the play-off games on Sunday. The organiser would like to point out that the teams are seeded on the basis of the results achieved the previous year!

 

Playoff Results:

 

9th / 10th	South West	34	North East	42
7th / 8th	West Midlands	13	Yorkshire	49
5th / 6th	South East	28	East Midlands	47
3rd / 4th	South	27	North West	48
1st / 2nd	London	51	East	24

 

Final Positions:

 

Position	Team	Last Year's Finish
Champions	London	2007 = 1st
Runners-up	East	2007 = 6th
3rd	North West	2007 = 3rd
4th	South	2007 = 4th
5th	East Midlands	2007 = 7th
6th	South East	2007 = 8th
7th	Yorkshire	2007 = 2nd
8th	West Midlands	2007 = 9th
9th	North East	2007 = 10th
10th	South West	2007 = 5th

 

At the end of the Tournament Karen Burton commended the following players for their performance in the Tournament and invited them to train with the Development Group. Those in bold type will be promoted to train with England’s U16 Women.

 

Yorkshire	Isabel Hannity
East Midlands	Georgia Elliott-King   Lois Bain   Janna Dendie
East	Beth Robson   Amy Rodgers   Sophie Hankin   Ellie Warden
South East	Cheredine Greene
South	Hatty Stiles
South West	Elouise Sneddon
North West	Sidnee Reddy   Ashley Tensel   Leah McDerment
London	Osaro Otobo   Jay Ann Harriet   Shequila Joseph
	Janice Monakana   Rochelle Milton