SOLENT STARS produced a superb third quarter performance to win the Sureshot Junior National Cup for the first time in the club's history.

Their 85-68 victory over Doncaster Eagles at the John Amaechi Basketball Arena in Manchester was just reward for all the hard work Jimmie and Bev Guymon have put in with the team.

Joel Freeland picked up the MVP award, presented by John Amaechi, with a game high 26 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Joel will represent England juniors in an International tournament in Cherbourg soon.

The Solent defence, particularly Craig Teesdale and the ever-improving Liam Openshaw, kept Eagles guards Adam Mendoza and James Martin at bay early on.

Eagles put a scoring spurt to lead 16-12 but just on the buzzer Openshaw hurled a huge three-pointer to level at 19-19.

Solent, with centre Freeland starting to impress, led 33-32 at half-time.

Skipper Jon Titcombe led from the front in the second period and James Cooper stepped up to help Solent into a 57-41 lead.

Solent won the third quarter 31-16, and that proved the difference.

Solent's squad: James Cooper 8; Craig Teesdale 5; John Wilkins; Liam Openshaw 15; Sam Sisley; Rowan Polonski; Carl Glasspool 8; Jon Titcombe 19; Rob Bawden; Alex Pape 2 Jack Dawson 2; Joel Freeland 26.

SOUTHAMPTON Trailblazers moved two points clear at the top of the Solent Area Men's League Third Division after beating second-placed Thornden 97-82 at Romsey School.

Trailblazers started the better, with two quick baskets from Jake Morley helping them race into a 30-11 first quarter lead.

Jon Gill controlled the boards with his rebounding at both ends.

Scorers: Gary Beale 29, David Mead 20, Jon Gill 14, Mark Jackson13, Mark Radford 7, Jake Morley 5, Jeremy Darios 5, Darren MacAskill 2, Tom Sosna 2.