FOR the first time ever Peter Symonds girls' basketball team have reached the quarter-finals of the Nike National Cup.

In a physical match against Solihull VI Form College, the Winchester-based college emerged as 64-30 winners.

After a long trip, Symonds made a quick start in the first quarter with Sophie Cross bagging eight points and Jemma Venables scoring with good work under the basket.

Despite the presence of two taller girls from Solihull, good defensive rebounding by Naomi Cameron Wyatt and Venables kept the home side scoring restricted.

A slow second quarter eventually came to life with Laura Snell and Emily Kidgell finding the mark. Jo Meredith controlled the offence with sound ball handling and aggressive defence. Helen Willis made some strong defensive plays and rebounded well.

Symonds maintained a healthy lead in the third quarter. Good work from Venables, Snell and Ross Hines, combined with the fast-breaking Dodd, saw the Hampshire school continue to rattle up the points.

Hellen Willis scored 10 points in the fourth quarter, mainly from the free-throw line, after hard work under the boards. Kidgell and Dodd began to find their range and Sophie Cross used the fake to good effect.

Strong defensive from the speedy Jenna Curgenven continued to restrict Solihull's attempt to fast break. Curgenven also stole the ball and set up further scoring for Symonds.

The girls now face a long journey up to Doncaster to play Hall Cross School.

Coach Dave Sanders said: "This was a good performance and we are now in the top eight in the country. This equals the furthest we have ever been in this competition, so one more win would make some history for us."