Chelmsford Swifts fell to defeat in controversial circumstances in their crucial league fixture at Tyneside Sports on Saturday.

Swifts opened up an 8-2 lead after four minutes before going scoreless between the fifth and ninth minute as the home side took a 14-10 lead.

The visitors responded by getting their taller players into the game with Ali Sokell in particular causing Tyneside considerable problems.

The home side's response was to foul the Swifts players, but the referees ignored the offences, one of which saw Swifts Georgina Fernando have to leave the game with a scratched eye.

The most notable feature of Swifts' first half display was their outstanding shooting from the free throw line, and Swifts scored an incredible 16 from 21 to keep the game close.

When Sarah Hopkins, 16, made two shots with no time remaining in the first half, the score was tied at 42-42 and Chelmsford having an opportunity to secure an important victory.

Tyneside's Sarah Hindmarch, who had scored 42 points in the first fixture between the teams, had been kept to just six points, as Annie Belcher, Kathryn Davies and Perrie Polius took it in turns to play outstanding defence on the young sharp shooter.

The second half saw Tyneside go 48-43 up before Swifts replied with two baskets in a row, although Tyneside then scored 11 unanswered points to lead 59-47.

This included a bizarre incident where Swifts coach Stephen Pearl received a technical foul for jumping in the air to encourage his team.

Chelmsford continued to battle and scored eight of the next 10 points before Tyneside recovered to lead 65-55 after nine minutes, Swifts having lost influential point guard Nicola Kerr to five fouls.

However, the visitors would not be denied and went on a 16-6 spree in the next five minutes to tie the game at 71-71 with six minutes to play, Belcher and Davies sharing 11 of the points.

Tyneside came back with six points before the incident that effectively settled the match.

Belcher was checked by a home player, and the referees, awarded the ball to Tyneside.

Swifts coach Pearl turned to his bench to comment on the decision, only to find himself penalised with a further technical foul.

This meant automatic dismissal from the game and effectively the end of Swifts chance of victory.

Further dubious calls settled matters for Tyneside, who were flattered by the manner and margin of the victory, while Belcher also collected a technical foul before the end of the match.

Swifts may now have to play their last league match of the season without the services of Pearl.

A coach's dismissal normally invokes an automatic one game ban that would presumably be invoked in the game against St Albans on March 21.

The club are awaiting the referee's report before deciding whether to appeal.

This weekend sees the Swifts Cadets in action at Great Baddow High School in a League fixture against Leicester to whom they lost by three points at the beginning of the season. A win is vital if Swifts are to progress to the play-offs. Tip off is 4pm.

Sunday is All Star Day at Riverside with an England v Scotland U18 match at 1pm and a North v South match, starting at 3pm.

Tickets are available in advance from Paul May on 01621 869492 or at the door. Prices £6 for adults, £3 for U16s, £15 family ticket (2+2).

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