SWINDON Sonics' bid to make the play-offs came to an end after they suffered defeat against Division Four South Champions Southampton Trailblazers on Saturday.

Undefeated champions Southampton won 89-73 at the Link Centre to bring Sonics' season to an abrupt end.

It was all or nothing for Sonics with victory putting them in the play-offs and defeat ending their season.

And Sonics made a solid start matching Southampton in all areas with Andrew Olechnowicz and Stan Wheaton featuring prominently. At the end of the first quarter they led 25-23.

There was little between the teams until the final two minutes of the second period when a 12-6 run by Trailblazers gave them a 48-42 half-time lead.

Southampton stretched their lead to 14 in the third before Olechnowicz, North and Martin inspired a 12-6 run for the Sonics to trail 58-66 going into the final quarter.

The Swindon side kept in touch until the seventh minute of the final period when Olechnowicz was thrown out of the game after a fracas under the Southampton basket where he was alleged to have kicked out at an opponent.

Sonics were still within eight points and gave Southampton the momentum they needed to open up a 19-point gap. Martin and Ford scored late to reduce the arrears, but by then Sonics' fate was sealed.

Scorers: Andrew Olechnowicz 34 points, Stan Wheaton 16, Mike Martin 11, Matt North 8, Matt Ford 4.

DESPITE missing the play-offs it was one of the most successful season's for years for Sonics.

And, as well as the huge contribution made by Olechnowicz, Wheaton and coach Richard Moses, the biggest plus for Sonics was that six of their squad had come through the Sonics' junior programme and they can look forward to next season with some optimism.

In their final match of the season on Sunday, junior team were given a shooting lesson by the visiting Reading team going down 46-85.

During the match, Reading scored nine three point shots, and took their open shots well.

Swindon played well in most departments, including defence, but failed to make many of the open shooting opportunities they created.

Swindon were 17-6 behind at the first break, 35-21 at half-time and they fell further behind in the second half.

Scorers: Jensen Irving 12, Tyrone Small 9, Michael Martin 7, Dan Bissex 6, Aaron Uppal-Gordon 4, James Archer 4, Jamal Bradford 3, Robbie Dams 1

  • After the game awards were presented to Dan Bissex (most improved player) and Mike Martin (most valuable player).

Sonics are running an Easter Basketball Camp from 10am-2pm on April 2, 3 and 4 at the Link Centre.

Camp coach will be Richard Moses and the cost is £40. Further details from Graham Chambers on 01793480595.