THE Essex Blades women's team suffered heartache after being pegged back and losing 67-58 in the National Cup final against Ipswich Basketball Academy.

The National League rivals produced a thrilling contest at the University of East London.

A dominant start for the Blades led to some red-hot shooting, hitting six out of eight from three-point range, with Ellie Shaxon hitting the opening points of the final.

Charlene Tom, playing against her former club, was full of intensity and purpose at both ends with some early stops and steals, as well as draining back-to-back three-pointers to establish a 17-8 lead.

Further sharp-shooting from Shaxon and captain Cat Lutz saw a deserved 26-12 lead, heading into the second quarter.

A corner three from Jasmine Oginjimi saw a game-high 17-point lead established, before a strong drive and finish from Esther Little led the Ipswich fightback.

A pair of threes from Danielle Cazey fired up the Ipswich support as the Blades' lead was reduced to single digits, before a pair of clutch jump shots from the experienced Lutz and Shaxon stemmed the momentum and a 33-20 lead was reestablished.

A game filled with key moments saw a loose ball scramble won by Ipswich and converted by Harriet Welham with a punishing three-pointer.

A little three and a pair of Ipswich free throws ensured a strong finish to the half, but they were still nine points in arrears of the Blades who were 37-28 up.

An 8-0 run led by strong play from the Ipswich forwards turned the final as the Blades' lead was wiped out early in the third stanza.

A pair of Monica Kucerkova free throws and a smart spin and finish at the basket from Jess Hunt halted the Ipswich run.

However, every time the Blades found momentum and threatened to extend their lead, Ipswich’s three-point shooters stepped up and a late Welham three set up a tense final quarter with the Blades holding a slim 44-42 lead.

A strong start to the final quarter from the Blades, led by Shaxon and a Tom steal, taking her to the free throw line, saw a six-point lead quickly reestablished.

Kucerkova enjoyed two fine finishes inside as the game threatened to get away from Ipswich.

However, once again, Cazey and then Welham couldn’t miss from deep as the lead was cut to just a single point.

A smart Oginjimi spin and finish was again countered by yet another Ipswich three and a Blades turnover and finish saw the lead changing hands for the first time in the match.

The Blades, 55-54 down, did not panic and found themselves with several good looks at the basket.

However, a combination of great defence and bad luck, gave Ipswich their opportunity.

An excellent block and conversion from Maya Price followed by a clutch two-pointer broke the Blades' resistance as Ipswich held on to convert that lead into a famous 67-58 victory.