WNBL D2 v Bromsgrove Bears
Saturday 4 November, 2023
In a fiercely contested WNBL Division 2 showdown on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, the
Sheffield Hatters clashed with the Bromsgrove Bears in a tough basketball battle that kept fans
engaged for the entire contest.
The game began with an air of uncertainty as both teams exchanged blows. Jess Southwell of
the Hatters opened the scoring with a lay-up. However, the visiting Bromsgrove Bears quickly
seized the momentum with No. 21, McSwiggan, and No. 9, Carver, sinking consecutive baskets to
claim an early 4-point lead.
Midway through the quarter Sheffield seemed to find their stride, reasserting themselves on the
defensive end, forcing turnovers and smoothly transitioning into easy baskets. It was the sibling
duo of Sarah Cooney, who poured in 11 points, and Helen Naylor, with a commanding 12 points,
that led all scorers, propelling the Hatters to a commanding 28-11 lead at the end of the first
quarter.
As the game progressed, Sheffield built on their transition game, and offensive contributions
poured in from multiple sources, including Courtney Bennett, Lisa Riches, Aisling Nee, Stephanie
Gandy, and Sharmaine Carabana. The Bears found it increasingly challenging to find an offensive
rhythm, struggling against the relentless pressure from the Hatters’ defense. While glimpses of a
potential comeback were visible, Sheffield continued to dominate, closing out the second quarter
with 26 points compared to Bromsgrove’s 12.
The second half of the game unfolded as a fiercely contested affair, with both teams trading
baskets and fighting tooth and nail for every possession. Sheffield faced some challenges in
maintaining consistency, with an uptick in empty plays and turnovers. The intensity of the game
reached a point where the fans even petitioned the officials to blow the whistle as the physicality
escalated during the third stanza.
The third quarter was claimed by the Hatters, winning it 13-10, but the Bears clawed back,
finishing the game on a high note and winning the final quarter by a 3-point margin.
When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read Sheffield Hatters 82, Bromsgrove Bears 51.
While the game had started off closely contested, Sheffield undeniably dominated the first half
with their connected play at both ends of the floor. The game’s leading scorers were Helen Naylor,
who displayed an incredible 30-point performance, followed by Sarah Cooney’s 19 points and
Courtney Bennett with 9 points.
In this fiercely contested matchup, both teams displayed determination and fortitude, but it was
the Sheffield Hatters who ultimately emerged as the dominant force, providing a thrilling
performance that left fans in awe and excitement.
Final score: Sheffield Hatters 82, Bromsgrove Bears 51
Top Scorers:
Helen Naylor 30-points
Sarah Cooney 19-points
Courtney Bennett 9-points