WNBL1 recap: 11/12 March 2023 - live streams, stats and more

With leaders Solent out of action, this weekend was an opportunity for the chasing pack to try and reel the Kestrels in.

Second-placed Thames Valley claimed a pair of wins to move level with Solent on 32 points, but TVC have played an extra game for the time being. There was also big results for the likes of Ipswich, CoLA and Loughborough across another great week of D1W action.

We take a look at all the weekend's games below, with links to live stats and live streams at the bottom of the page.

Anglia Ruskin University (11-7) 56-69 Thames Valley Cavaliers (16-3)

Thames Valley came through their tough test against top-four chasing ARU, winning 69-56.

Ruskin have already beaten leaders Solent this season but couldn't add the Cavs to their list of names following a professional job from the visitors.

Former Loughborough guard Robyn Ainge top scored for TVC with an impressive 22 points.

After edging the opening quarter 20-16, the National Cup winners did the damage to break the game open with a 17-11 second frame.

That 37-28 half time advantage helped Thames Valley keep the hosts at arms length during a competitive final 20 minutes, with TVC eventually sealing a win to start their pivotal double-header weekend.

Much continues to rest on the upcoming clash between Solent and Thames Valley on 19 March, especially with the two teams now tied on 32 points.

Elsewhere this weekend

Ipswich (9-10) started the weekend with a commanding 81-47 victory against Bristol Academy Flyers (4-15).

Twenty-nine points from Liv Forster plus 15 more off the bench from Ava Battese were enough to reinforce Ipswich's spot in the playoff mix, with Veronica Iweanya (15pts, 13reb) chipping in a double-double for Bristol in defeat.

CoLA Southwark Pride (15-5) sealed a comfortable win against Brent Bulls (9-8), pulling away to a 62-47 final score.

The victory keeps CoLA firmly in control of third spot with the potential for more should TVC or Solent slip up, whilst Brent are holding on to the eighth and final playoff place.

Loughborough Riders (10-10) were made to work by London Lions II (7-12) before the visitors eventually sealed a 69-65 win.

A 20-9 opening frame had put the Lions in control before the Riders battled back, using a 22-8 final-quarter push to seal a valuable comeback win.

Reading Rockets (12-6) made sure their trip to Wales was worth it as they grabbed an 81-36 W against Cardiff Met Archers II (1-20).

Saioa San Francisco top scored for the visitors with 21 points, with Lindsey Cleary (19pts, 13reb) and Kristina Karpova (11pts, 10reb) both providing double-doubles in support.

The weekend closed with double-header action between Brent and Thames Valley, with the title-chasing Cavs pulling off a 61-49 win thanks to another strong performance from Robyn Ainge, who closed on 26 points.

This weekend's fixtures:

Saturday 11 March

3:30pm - Ipswich 81-47 Bristol Academy Flyers - LIVE STATS

4pm - Anglia Ruskin University 56-69 Thames Valley Cavaliers

5:15pm - Brent Bulls 47-62 CoLA Southwark Pride

Sunday 12 March

12:30pm - London Lions II 65-69 Loughborough Riders

1pm - Cardiff Met Archers II 36-81 Reading Rockets - LIVE STATS

2pm - Brent Bulls 49-61 Thames Valley Cavaliers

.

.

Join Basketball England for free. Whether you have a Supporter Account as a fan, follower, enthusiast or advocate, or a Full Account and have paid for a licence to play, coach or officiate in competition, you can be part of the basketball family.

Basketball has the power to change lives. Our #GameTime campaign aims to raise awareness of the positive impact that basketball can have on people no matter who they are or where they are from.