BASKETBALL: PANTHERS' U18 women's section secured a comprehensive victory over last season's U16 Southern Conference champions at The Hub on Sunday.

But coach Jim McGinn paid tribute to his side's opponents after the match, saying: 'A great team spirit existed in the Pumas' ranks, from the coach down to the players.

'They showed a great example of how to play the game and a lot of people could take a leaf out of their book. We look forward to meeting them again.

'From our own point of view, a special mention must go to Helen Locke, who ran her socks off in defence.'

The home side started strongly with a full-court press that saw Jo Leedham and Alex Lodge net five and four points respectively, but Chiltern hit back when some neat passing brought them back into the game at 9-6.

Panthers were stung into action, with Alex Lee bagging five points in less than a minute and Nicole Clark opening her account to build up a 10-point lead midway through the first quarter.

Pumas battled gamely, led by Daniella Ward and Carly Vincent, but some big baskets from Leedham and Lodge saw Panthers up 26-12 at the close.

Lucy Edwards found her range for Panthers in the second as the hosts continued to pile on the points, building a 46-21 advantage at the break.

The visitors threatened something of a comeback in the third, with Georgina McLeod and Becky Shelby shooting well from the line as well as from open play, but Panthers offence was relentless and they went into the final period leading 73-33.

Panthers passed the century mark in the final quarter, with Lodge and Edwards moving into double figures.

Scorers: Jo Leedham (35); Alex Lodge (24); Lucy Edwards (14); Alex Lee (9); Nicole Clark (8); Amy Brice, Vicky Lee (4); Emma Lacey (3); Kim Jones (2).