QM Magazine Spring 2012 - Police Sport UK

THE PSUK Ladies basketball team prepared for the
2nd USPE Championships in Dublin with a warm
up game against the Dutch Police at Hendon Police
Training Centre. After an incredible shaky start,
not least influenced by the sight of a 6’6’’ Dutch
player, PSUK produced a confidence boosting 30-
15 win in a game that owed much to the
organisation of Sarah King.
With final preparations complete, kit supplied and Euros
purchased, PSUK Ladies travelled to Dublin to compete in the
championships, alongside teams from Ireland, France, Greece
and the Netherlands.
The opening ceremony took place at the Dublin City University
Campus. All the teams paraded with a uniformed flag bearer
with the PSUK being represented by Sasha McCarthy.
PSUK’s first game was against France, the side they previously
beat to secure the bronze in the last championships. PSUK
made a slow start to the competition and where completely
overwhelmed by the much improved and well-drilled French
unit who quickly took the initiative and led 40-16 at half time.
It was a lead the French never relinquished as the PSUK side
were beaten 76-29 in a disappointing opening game.
The PSUK side recovered well for the next fixture against the
Netherlands. The first half was tight with PSUK leading 23-22
but the second half saw them extend their advantage with
some excellent play to win the game 50-35.
The third fixture against reigning champions Greece proved
to be the PSUK’s best team performance. Against a very
strong team PSUK remained positive and never buckled under
the pressure with the Greeks leading by just 12 points at half
time. Playing hard to the end PSUK struggled to breach the
deficit and lost 64-47 but could be proud of their excellent,
uplifting performance.
The PSUK’s final pool match was against the hosts Ireland,
who filled the hall with in excess of 100 schoolchildren. The
atmosphere and crowd support was incredible and inspired
the Irish to a 78-46 win.
This left the PSUK with a semi finals rematch against France
with Greece playing Ireland.
France had finished top after the pool stages and although
the PSUK side tried a number of offensive and defensive
options in an attempt to counter the French they were out
played, finishing 64 -38 behind, encouragingly an
improvement on their previous encounter.
16
QM Police Sport UK
2nd USPE. LADIES BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
DUBLIN - OCT 2011
The remaining fixture between Greece and Ireland was an
exciting game with the lead changing hands and a truly gritty
performance seeing Ireland win 60 – 58.
PSUK then played the Greeks for 3rd/4th place spot but went
down 81-35 to finish in fourth place.
The final was a true showcase, and a fitting end to the
tournament, with Ireland showing true determination and
passion to clinch the title 77 – 71.
Final placing; 1st Ireland, 2nd France, 3rd Greece, 4th PSUK,
5th Netherlands.
Congratulations to Vanessa Calafat who was named as one of
the All Star 5.
Julie Skidmore, Team Manager, said: “Whilst the results were
disappointing, PSUK remained focused and professional
throughout the tournament and can be very proud of their
achievements. This was a learning curve and this new and
developing squad will learn from this experience. ‘’
PSUK: Heather Cosgrove (L&B), Juliet Faram (Vice-
Captain, SYP), Amanda Johnson (Captain, L&B), Iona
Frickleton (Central Scotland), Sasha McCarthy (Met),
Vanessa Calafat (Met), Vikki Scouller (Strathclyde),
Hannah Brown (Met), Karen Greene (Met), Sarah
Westgate (Norfolk), Leanne Murdoch (WMP), Georgia
Shields (WMP).
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