AYR Storm's U18 women put in a brave performance to lift the Strathclyde League Junior Women Cup in a pulsating final against South Lanarkshire Colliers at Belmont Academy in Ayr.

Both teams had served up some thrilling encounters in the past and this final proved to be no different.

Co-captain, Davee Sang, started the game strongly. Her three early steals having put the Colliers guards under pressure created early points for her team. Colliers, as they had done all season, played some fine team basketball and they began to find baskets from all areas of their team, with Katie Burn's passing setting up several scoring moves. It was thanks to 7 first quarter points from Abbie Middleton that saw Ayr only two behind, 12-10 at the end of the first.

The second quarter, saw guard Emily Nolan find her shooting form, her six points coupled with a three from Jessica Matthewson, saw Storm open up a 27-20 lead. The Ayrshire side would then go scoreless for the final four minutes of the half, although getting good looks, failing to find the basket. Colliers finished the half the stronger and four points from Alison Campbell saw the lead reduced to the slenderest of margins at the interval, 27-26.

Head Coach Laura Nisbet, made some adjustments at half-time, which provided dividends as Ayr flew out the blocks in the third, and a three from Melissa Graham, had Storm 34-26 ahead. Midway through the quarter, a trademark outside shot from Alex Breslin widened the gap between the teams to double figures for the first time in the game. Just as it looked as if Storm had a stranglehold on the game, the resilient Colliers fought their way back behind three baskets from Charlotte King, to reduce the deficit to four points, 40-36, moving into the final quarter.

Nerves were clearly on display as the fourth began and the scoreboard remained unaltered for the first four minutes. Sang then took control from point guard and finished the game the way she had started it. Her basket opened up a five point lead, only to see Colliers hit straight back. It was down to fellow co-captain, Matthewson, to take centre stage. With 47 seconds left, she launched a three that found the hoop, to extend the lead to six points, much to the delight of the Storm Chasers in the crowd. An immediate turnover on Colliers next play, saw Sang fouled and sent to the free throw line. The MVP of the game, coolly made both shots, and Storm found themselves eight ahead with 40 seconds to play. Middleton rounded off the scoring with the last play of the game, to complete her own personal double double ( 16 points, 22 rebounds). The game finished 50-40.

Loud cheers greeted the girls as they received their winning medals and the SLBA Cup.

An excited Nisbet said: "I must commend the crowd. When these two teams play both sets of girls are cheered on by both sets of supporters - that's what youth sport should be about. We are thrilled to have won, but must pay credit to the battling qualities of Coach Curle's squad. My team showed their own grit and determination today, and we are delighted to have sent Davee and Jess off with a victory in their final youth game for the club."