Rossendale Raptors ladies team travelled to Manchester and won a tightly contested game against Slam Dunkin’ Divas.

Having lost by an agonising one point to the Divas earlier in the season, the Raptors were determined to make their mark.

The team employed a new trapping zone press spearheaded by Emma Widdowson and Sarah Dormer and the Divas couldn’t cope with the speed and quickness of the Raptors pressure.

Dianne Tibbs showed her experience with a dominating display both in attack and defence.

Raptors dominated the game from start to finish, winning 65-43.

Michelle McManus scored freely, supported by young local players Alice Schofield, Saphia Vanroose-Peer, Ashleigh Haythorn-thwaite and Emily Hatton.

Coach Dan Byrne said: "We deserved that win. The girls have worked so hard and are competing with players with much more experience.

"All the hard work is starting to pay off and we’re all really enjoying working together."

RAPTORS' thirds also had a key game in the Manchester Area league against local rivals Blackburn Phoenix.

The game was against Blackburn’s first team and was always going to be a tough challenge.

The second team were strengthened by the return of Ken Masser, who will likely play for the National League team after Christmas, but returned to action with the thirds after a lengthy lay off following shoulder surgery.

Youngsters Ben Chicken and Adam Robinson added youthful exuberance to the side which included some experienced older players.

Blackburn started quickly, stunning the Raptors with five out of five three point attempts in the opening quarter to lead 25-8.

Masser then started to take control of the game, feeding passes to John Lindsay, Chris Watts and others for easy scores while Richard Bramwell’s hustling defence stemmed the flow of Blackburn’s points at the other end.

The Raptors slowly clawed their way back into the game.

They were three behind at half- time and tied at the end of the third quarter, before dominating the final period to come away with a scintillating win 76-59.

Coach Mark Wilkinson said: "It was terrific to get a win over Blackburn who are a young up and coming side with lots of talent.

"I think our experience shone through and it was good to see Ken back on court.

"I was particularly pleased with the young lads Adam and Ben – without them we wouldn’t have won."

http://menmedia.co.uk/rossendalefreepress/sport/s/1468189_ladies-win-while-masser-returns