A cup semi-final, a capacity crowd, scores level with 14 seconds to play, this game had everything.

Chelmsford Swifts played in their first ever National semi final when they took on Manchester Flames, the most important game in the club's three year history.

Both sides started nervously, with the scores tied at six each the visitors went on a six point run that led to a Swifts time out. Hillman came in to play a captains role scoring six of Swifts next 11 points as they took the lead 27-26 with four minutes to play.

The home team however then seemed to relax as they managed to miss seven out of eight free throws in the rest of the first half to allow Manchester to go into the break with a 32-28 lead.

Whatever was said in the locker room at half time seemed to have the desired effect as Swifts scored 12 of the first 16 points in the second half to open a 40-36 lead.

Swifts were getting great service from 15-year-old Louise Gamman who was belieing her years by taking numerous rebounds against physically stronger opponents.

Swifts looked safe at 58-51 with three minutes to play but Manchester had not read the script as they scored the next eight points to take a 59-58 lead with two minutes to play.

Both teams missed shots before Nicola Kerr was found with 1 minute 25 on the clock giving her two three throws.

The Manchester coach called time out to add to the suspense. With the crowd almost beside themselves, the Swifts guard stepped up to score both shots.

Manchester's Chris Ogden was fouled with 14 seconds remaining. She had two foul shots scored only the second to leave the scores tied at 60 all.

Swifts moved the ball forward to Annie Belcher who looked set to record the winning basket until she was fouled. The Swifts player moved to take the shots.

The first bounced agonisingly around the basket before missing, the second went straight through to put Swifts ahead by one. A last desperate attempt by Manchester fell short as Chelmsford recorded a most famous of victories.

Swifts will now play in the final against Wandsworth Hurricanes in March.

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