SOUTHEND Swifts’ Under-16s girls’ team are the new national champions as they secured the most dramatic of victories to win the National Fours competition.

Swifts beat hot favourites Manchester Mystics by just two points to win the title, having defeated Surrey Goldhawks in the semi-final to set up the showpiece battle.

However, it was very much a mixed bag for Swifts, whose Under-14 girls’ side lost their final by a single point as they finished runners-up.

The Under-18 team were beaten at the semi-final stage

But it was joy for the Under-16s in the first of the three finals involved the south Essex side. Manchester made a better start and took a two point lead into the second quarter (17-15), although Charlotte Ellmore, Tia Stack and Katie Bennett all converted off steals to make it a one point.

Three points behind at the halfway point, Swifts took charge in the third period with Georgia Powell orchestrating an 11-0 run to lead 51-42 into the final 10 minutes.

But Mystics came back strongly to lead 56-55 with just two minutes remaining in a raucous arena.

Bennett was able to get to the foul line on three occasions and converted one from two each time to hand Swifts a two point lead with 10 seconds remaining, although Manchester had the ball.

But Ellmore secured the turnover to ensure victory, as she was named the most valuable player with 18 points and 14 rebounds ahead of Powell, Bennett and Rhian Simpson.

The Under-14s were edged out 59-58 by the Goldhawks in their final, with a last second basket attempt sailing just wide.

Swifts had beaten GCA Haringey Angels in the semi-final and led 17-13 at the end of the first quarter and were playing well, with Anna Trett hitting a purple patch that saw her score six points in less than a minute and extend the lead to 27-18.

Swifts conceded the final eight points of the half as they led 34-30 at the interval but it was all change in the third period.

Swifts were frustrated as, despite the Under-14 rules being strict on defensive formations, Southend captain Charlotte Redhead found herself marked by two players, and Surrey steamed ahead.

Surrey led 47-40 heading into the final stanza and a 6-2 run in the final quarter meant Swifts were eight points adrift with the clock ticking down.

Southend brought the scores back to 56-55 but, needing a score with three seconds remaining, Redhead was unable net despite the attentions of her opponents, with her effort dropping short.

The Under-18 side fell five points short in their semi-final, as Peckham Pride ran out 76-71 winners.

However, Swifts took the favourites all the way, leading at the end of the first three quarters, with the score 56-53 heading into the final stanza.

Zoe Willis scored the next five points to make it 64-53 as Peckham were held scoreless for six minutes. But eight straight points saw the lead reduced to just one and Peckham scored the final seven points to win a monumental battle in what will be many of the team’s final match as they head off to university.