Riders start title defence in style

The WBBL Trophy action took centre stage this past weekend as the 12 teams look to battle it out for a place in the last four.

The defending champions are up and running in this season's competition after Leicester Riders enjoyed a convincing 67-94 triumph at Oaklands Wolves. Holly Winterburn led the way with 29 points, 11 rebounds and eight steals in the win with three other players in double figures.

Sevenoaks Suns bounced back from their Cup Final loss with two wins on the weekend as last season's Trophy finalists make a 2-0 start. They defeated BA London Lions 55-80 on the road as Cat Carr had 22 points before they eased past Essex Rebels in a 94-45 success.

Durham Palatinates won another battle in the North-East as they defeated Newcastle Eagles 61-59. Theairra Taylor top scored in the win with 20 points to join Caledonia Pride on a 1-0 start in the group.

Meanwhile, Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters defeated Manchester Mystics 94-80 to start their quest for another piece of silverware with Cup Final MVP Sarah Toeaina firing in 32 points on 13 of 14 shooting along with 14 rebounds.

Oaklands bounced back from their loss to Leicester as they earned a 64-84 victory away at Cardiff Met Archers behind 22 points from Anneke Schluter.