Portobello High School
The senior women went into this game on the back of a good result against Midlothian Saints and were determined to keep the good run of performances going. In a replay of last year’s cup final, the atmosphere was pulsating as the game tipped off. The noticeable change to the St Mirren team was the loss of Ramona Brown who has settled in well at Kats, her cheerful personality making her an instant hit at training. With Kats a much younger side than in the last outing between the teams, experience was very much in St Mirren’s favour.
1st quarter
A poor start to the game saw Kats trailing throughout the first quarter due to too many turnovers in the backcourt. However, the frontcourt offence was fluent and some good passing kept the scores tight. St Mirren led 28-22 at the end of the quarter with Rowan Bell imposing herself inside for the home side with 10 points in the opening period. Ramona came off the bench to score two 3-pointers to help the team settle.
2nd quarter
The second quarter again saw Rowan dominate the key, adding to her points tally to go in at the half with 15. Captain Emma Findlay pitched in with 2 3-pointers in the first half, and some good shooting was pulling the St Mirren defence away from the basket leaving more room inside. St Mirren’s danger players of Natalie Chaloner - 11 points at the half and Rhona Corkindale - 12 points, were helping St Mirren keep their lead as they went into halftime 46-41 in front.
3rd quarter
The Kats defence picked up in the third, containing St Mirren to just 15 points and frustrating St Mirren’s offence. While some nice passing and good team plays allowed Kats to pull in front. Lots of fast breaking and high speed plays were showing how training was really paying off as they went in 64 - 61 in the lead for the first time. Patty Forfar led the way with 10 points in the third, many coming from lay-ups on the end of nice fast break passes.
4th quarter
In the last quarter the foul count was growing free throws were going to become a major factor for the second game running. When Natalie Chaloner fouled out in the last minute of the game, sending ex-St Mirren player Ramona Brown to the line with 4.6 seconds remaining and Kats trailing by 1 point, it was set up for a fairytale ending. Ramona stepped to the line and scored the first, a mix up with the table saw St Mirren granted a time out in between the free throws, and as the officials sorted out the situation the tension was rising. As the players retook the court for the second free throw with the game level and only seconds on the court the pressure was felt by all. But Ramona kept her nerve and calmly swished the second to hand Kats the lead. A superb performance from all of the Kats players and a great vocal support from the bench and the supporters ensured that Kats stay undefeated.
Final score: Kool Kats 84 - 83 St Mirren
Kool Kats Scorers: Rowan Bell 27 Emma Findlay 19 Patty Forfar 12 Ramona Brown 10
St Mirren Scorers: Rhona Corkindale 26 Natalie Chaloner 20 Nadele Strain 16
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