UK Sport today write on how Britain’s women have gained promotion to the European Championship A Division, after a second leg 60-58 victory over the Netherlands in Almere yesterday.

Mark Clark’s squad emulated their male counterparts with the achievement, rounding off a fantastic summer for both squads, who will now compete in the 2009 European Championship qualifying phase, and have taken important steps in their bid to compete in London in 2012.

The game was a tighter affair following the weekend’s first leg, with Britain’s opponents determined to avenge their 68-32 loss. Indeed at half-time they led 28-20, but Britain began to claw their way back and by the final quarter had taken a three point lead. However the hosts hit back to lead 58-57 with 13 seconds remaining, before 17 year-old Georgia Jones scored the points needed to secure victory.

Andrea Congreaves and Megan Moody top-scored for Britain, both claiming 14 points each, as they completed the 128-90 aggregate win. The victory ensured a 100% record for Clark’s team with six wins out of six and ensured Britain won all 12 competitive matches across both campaigns this summer, after the men also recorded a clean sweep.

UK Sport Chief Executive, John Steele, reinforced the comments he made following the men’s promotion and was delighted that both sides had achieved their goals.

“When the men gained promotion I said it was a fantastic achievement for everyone connected with the British set-up – last night’s result just makes it better” said Steele.

“I congratulate Britain’s women on gaining their promotion and once again reiterate that this summer’s performances have justified the significant investment committed to Basketball by the excellent progress made towards realising the sport’s 2012 ambitions. Well done to all involved,” he added.

Labels: basketball

HACKNEY'S annual attempt to raise awareness in women's basketball in the capital will take place at SPACe, Falkirk Street, N1 on Saturday, August 4, this year.

The 3-on-3 women's tournament is being organised by borough club Eastside Heat, who are hoping their attempts to persuade more females to take up the sport will result in an increase in players in Hackney.

This year Eastside are also including an under-14's mixed tournament as well as the senior women's competition.Entry fees are priced at £15 per team, with each side allowed four players.In the new mixed competition, each team is only allowed a maximum of two boys per team.Parent consent forms must be completed before any under-18 participants can play in the tournaments.

Further details are available by emailing meshellwilson@yahoo.com

Labels: basketball