Rebels Go 2-0 Over the Weekend in SLB Trophy Action

The Essex Rebels fought off Oakland Wolves and Cradiff Met Archers to seal back-to-back victories in the Super League Trophy on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.  

Saturday 11 October: Essex Rebels vs Oaklands Wolves

Standout offensive performances from Natalie Chou, Paige Meyer, and Quinesha Lockett powered the Essex Rebels to a 79–65 victory in a thrilling contest filled with pace, intensity, and high-quality basketball from both sides.

The opening quarter set the tone for a competitive matchup, with the Rebels trailing narrowly at 17–19. Shanice Beckford-Norton led the charge for the visitors, tallying seven points, a steal, and drawing key fouls that kept the Wolves ahead.

Early in the second quarter, Natalie Chou sparked the home crowd by stealing the ball near her own basket, racing down the court, and finishing with a composed two-pointer to give the Rebels their first lead of the game. The period continued as an offensive showcase, with both teams trading baskets. Highlights included a well-crafted three-pointer from Paige Meyer and a coast-to-coast finish by Quinesha Lockett, mirroring Chou’s earlier play. Despite their efforts, the Rebels trailed by a single point at halftime (32–33), after Lavinia Da Silva converted a late two-pointer for the Wolves.

Quinsha Lockett picked up where she left off in the beginning of the third quarter, as her first bit of action was to sink another two-pointer to help the Rebels regain their lead. The Rebels began to pull away in the third quarter, with the score reading 57-47 heading into the fourth. Some excellent screening from Rhema Ogele allowed the Rebels to exploit the Wolves’ defence, while the home side also won fouls with their aggressive play.  

As the fourth quarter progressed, the Rebels were able to demonstrate their strength in depth and ability to work as a team, as Cerys Leach demonstrated by coming off the bench and contributing to a healthy lead. Despite a late push from Oaklands, the hosts remained composed, closing out the game for a well-earned 79–65 win.

Natalie Chou was the standout performer of the afternoon, continuing her impressive start in a Rebels jersey. She led all scorers with 21 points and showed composure at the line, converting 10 of her 13 free-throw attempts.

Other highlights included Paige Meyer and Quinesha Lockett, who brought in nineteen and eighteen points respectively, while Maria Blazejewski added 10 points and an impressive 13 rebounds.

Sunday 12 October: Essex Rebels vs Cardiff Met Archers

Less than 24 hours after their home win over Oaklands Wolves, the Essex Rebels were back in action — this time on the road in Wales — where they claimed a dominant win over Cardiff Met Archers, continuing their strong start to the season.

The Rebels came out firing, racing to a 10–0 lead within the opening 77 seconds of play. Back-to-back baskets from Rhema Ogele, followed by a three-pointer from Cerys Leach, extended the Rebels’ advantage as they dominated the first quarter, finishing with a commanding 25–8 lead.

The momentum continued in the second quarter, with the Rebels’ offense showcasing its full range of weapons. Natalie Chou led the charge with 12 points in the period, supported by Quinesha Lockett’s six and a pair of back-to-back three-pointers from Olivia Forster, giving the visitors a comfortable 60–25 cushion at halftime.

The second half was another display of the Rebels’ efficiency and teamwork on both ends of the floor. Head Coach Ashley Cookson used the opportunity to rotate his lineup, giving valuable minutes to the team’s younger players. Rising GB talent Olivia Forster, along with Cerys Leach and Amba Thompson, all gained key Super League Basketball experience and contributed positively to the Rebels’ dominant performance.

Five Rebels finished the game in double figures, led once again by Natalie Chou, who recorded 24 points and 4 assists. Quinesha Lockett added 22 points and 5 rebounds, while Rhema Ogele found her rhythm in her new surroundings, posting 16 points and 7 rebounds. Olivia Forster impressed with a well-rounded performance of 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Maria Blazejewski continued her consistent play, finishing just shy of a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Ashley Cookson said: 

“This weekend was a great example of what our team is about — a blend of experienced veterans setting the tone and younger players stepping up with confidence. We’re building a style of basketball where everyone contributes to the collective, and you can see that connection growing each game.”

The Essex Rebels will be back on the road on Saturday, 18 October, as they face the Leicester Riders in their final Trophy group game.