IT was agony for Southend Swifts under-16 girls team as they were edged out in the final of the National Cup.

Missing four first-team regulars, including captain Georgia Powell, Swifts went down 61-47 against Nottingham Wildcats.

The girls put in a terrific show and took to the court with just one Year 11 student in their ranks.

Trailing 13-4 after six minutes, Southend staged a remarkable recovery that saw them trail by just four points at half-time 31-27 in arrears.

With Katie Bennett a constant offensive threat and Lilly Annim and Eleanor Butt battling for rebounds, the Essex side kept themselves in the contest much to the delight of their supporters.

But when Nottingham moved into a 41-28 lead after four minutes of the third quarter, the game looked over.

However, under 14 pair Anna Trett and Mia Nicholls played magnificently in defence.

The Midlanders were forced into numerous turnovers, and they then began their fight back.

Seven straight points from Bennett cut the deficit to eight and when Skye Stack made a score from long range plus two further Bennett Scores it was just a five point game going into the final stanza.

But there was nothing left in the tank, as Wildcats were able to capitalise on Southend’s lack of firepower to take an enthralling contest by the slightly flattering margin 61 points to 47.

Bennett led the way with a terrific 23 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Butt and Annim both had six points with the latter recording a game high 14 rebounds.

But this was a day of huge pride for the club, who have had an excellent season and again showed the strength in depth they possess.