Panthers purring!

May 8 2003 Christopher Beesley, Ellesmere Port Pioneer

BASKETBALL: ELLESMERE Port Panthers have completed the National Junior Women's Championship and Cup 'double' after victory at RAF Cosford on Sunday.

Panthers captured the RAF Carreers-sponsored EBBA (English Basketball Association) Play-Off title for second successive season with a 96-73 win over old rivals Northants Lightning.

The Northamptonshire outfit have now finished runners-up to Ellesmere Port in both the Championship Play-Offs and Sureshot National Cup after being beaten 75-51 in Sheffield six weeks earlier.

Jim McGinn's all-conquering squad have gone from being competition novices to the most dominant young teams in the country in the space of two years and now feature several England internationals.

Panthers, who had claimed the 2002 Junior crown with a 65-60 success over Doncaster, had to compete in a gruelling double-header of games in one action-packed day to retain their trophy at the Shropshire venue.

Scoring ace Johannah Leedham led the way in the final, earning the Most Valuable Player award with a 25-point haul while sister Jennifer Leedham bagged 24 points and Lauren Thomas-Johnson bagged 18 as Ellesmere Port turned on the style in a fast-flowing high scoring match.

Panthers comfortably overcame Essex Swifts 108-61 earlier in the day in a semi-final showdown, with Jennifer Leedham top-scoring on 31, Johannah Leedham grabbing 30 points and Lauren Thomas-Johnson on 29.

They reached the Play-Off finals after finishing top of the Premier League North winning all five of their matches.

Ellesmere Port missed out on a first U14s (BAM) title when they were beaten 80-43 by Manchester on Monday.

Kirsty Leedham top-scored with 14 points while Laura Hughes and Abbie Thompson-Jones both netted nine points each.

Panthers reached the final after edging out Harringey Angels 44-43 with Kirsty Leedham again leading the way on 18 points with Laura Hughes and Abbie Thompson-Jones each bagging seven.

* Ellesmere Port Panthers are still looking for a major sponsor for next season. If you can help call Pioneer sports editor Christopher Beesley on 0151 356 2494.