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Rhondda leave Sheffield with empty Cup
Rhondda Rebels retained the Women's National Cup by defeating Sheffield Hatters 66-57 at Sheffield Arena.
However the hometown side were left to rue what might have been after Trinidadian star Sharon Castanada hobbled off injured in the third quarter, her departure proving a pivotal juncture.
After restricting Rhondda to just eight points in the first quarter with some tough defence, the Hatters looked in good shape before the holders came back to level at 29-29 at half-time.
Up by a point entering the final period, Hatters still remained neck and the neck with the Welshwomen but as Rhondda tightened up their defence, their opponents began to miss crucial shots.
A 6-0 spurt with six minutes left - inspired by game-high scorer Shelley Boston - put Rebels in the lead for good and left coach Steve Williams reflecting on a successful defence of the Cup.
"I'm just sorry Sharon went off injured at a vital point," admitted the Rebels playcaller. "I'm sure that didn't help Sheffield. It was still an outstanding victory, tinged perhaps a little because we'd have liked to have beaten Sheffield with their strongest team out there."
Boston finished with 20 points, Missy Lender adding 18 for the victors while Vanessa Ellis topped for Sheffield with 15.
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