Two members of Southend Swifts made their debuts for the senior England basketball team in a four-nation tournament in Luxembourg.
Vikki Willmore, 17, played in all three matches, beating Iceland by 15 points, finishing 19 ahead of the host nation, and going down to Sweden by the narrow margin of five points.
As a result of her displays, Vikki has been invited to attend all senior training sessions for this season -- a remarkable feat for a 17-year-old. Sadly the other Swifts' player, Sarah Hopkins, saw knee trouble that has sidelined her for the past ten months flare up again and she was only able to play in the Iceland match.
Both girls have achieved representative honours throughout their careers, but neither expected full senior status at such an early stage.
Swifts' coach Stephen Pearl said: "This was a fantastic honour for both girls -- as well as the club."
Published Friday, January 3, 2003
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