Rebels fall short of final in SLB Trophy defeat

Date: Monday, 8 December 2025 

Location: Essex Sport Arena 

Tip-off: 4:00pm 

The Essex Rebels hosted the Caledonia Gladiators in the semi-finals of the Super League Basketball Trophy in a fierce contest at the Essex Sport Arena. A heartbreaking defeat saw the Rebels exit the SLB Trophy, with a 93-95 defeat in spite of their best efforts. 

Notching up nine points before the Rebels could respond, the Gladiators came out with a point to prove in the first quarter. After the first timeout of the afternoon, Chou got the Rebels on the board after converting both of her chances from the free throw line, which saw the home side begin to find their momentum.  

A looping three-pointer from Claire Paxton got the crowd on their feet, but wasn’t enough to separate the two sides going into the second quarter as the score read 19-19. 

The second quarter mirrored the intensity and excitement of the first, which was summed up by some great work around the rim from Rhema Ogele, a slick pass from Natalie Chou and a two-point layup from Maria Blazejewski. 

But the visitors responded well despite the Rebels’ best efforts, as the second quarter ended with the score reading 35-37. Captain Tierra Hodges put up ten points for the Gladiators, with eight rebounds and a perfect record from the free-throw line. 

As the third quarter played out, both sides showed how much a place in the trophy final meant. With both sides producing sixteen fouls between them in the quarter, it was an edgy affair. Paige Meyer brought the quality for the Rebels, with a slick two-point layup giving the home side the lead going into the fourth quarter, with the score reading 64-63.  

Heading into the fourth quarter, the game continued to be an end-to-end affair with little margin for error. Sloppy play from the Rebels was capitalised on by the Gladiators early on, with two turnovers in quick succession. Despite the Gladiators beginning to pull away, the Rebels refused to give up as Paige Meyer continued her perfect record from two-point range.  

Two massive steals from Meyer and Chou were converted for two-point layups, which made it a one-point game with three-and-a-half minutes to go. Despite the Rebels’ best efforts, the Gladiators held on to their lead with a nail-biting finish giving them a 93-95 victory and a place in the SLB Trophy final.  

Key Performances: 

Essex Rebels: 

Paige Meyer – 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists 

Natalie Chou – 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists 

Maria Blazejewski – 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists 

Caledonia Gladiators:  

Mathilde Domenger – 24 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists 

Anastasia Warren – 21 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists 

Tierra Hodges – 18 points and 9 rebounds 

As the Rebels’ run in the SLB trophy ends, all eyes are on their next league fixture. Saturday will see the Braun Sheffield Hatters visit the Essex Sport Arena in Super League Basketball action, while the Men’s team will take on the Nottingham Hoods in the BCB. With the promise of a great atmosphere and end-to-end basketball, the Christmas Special will also have a mini-Christmas market and a charity toy drive.  

To find out more about what’s on offer, click here and get your tickets for the Christmas Special double header now! 

By Nic Melton