St Marys win Senior Cup
Ladies Senior Cup Final
The St Mary's team that claimed the Ladies Senior (Divison 1) Cup title with victory over Tralee Imperials in their county final
St Mary's 62 Tralee Imperials 59: THIS was an evenly contested final from the beginning. Both sides equally matched throughout the first quarter. Imperials opened the scoring with scores from Sinead Mackessy and Ashley Campbell before Marys replied with a basket and a lovely three-pointer from Danielle McLoughlin.
Both defences were playing well and not giving each other an inch. Baskets were coming from inside and outside shots. The quarter ended 12-10 for Tralee Imperials.
St Mary's were quicker to settle in the second quarter with two quick scores putting them two points ahead for the first time in the game. They really did dominate this quarter scoring three three-pointers from Danielle McLoughlin and Miriam Lane, the score now 25-17 for Mary's.
After five minutes both teams were on foul trouble and Imperials were now only starting to break through the St Mary's defence scoring a basket and two free throws without reply before Louise O'Connor for St Mary's was fouled going to the basket scoring the vital free throw. In the dying seconds of this quarter Philomena O'Connor for St Marys got in for a great basket from outside being fouled in the process to leave the sides 32-23 to St Mary's at the half time break.
The youth of St Mary's was evident as they were pushing the Imperials side hard with fast offensive play. Danielle McLoughlin opening this quarter with a fine three-pointer – she was unable to miss.
Imperials followed this up with a quick basket. However, Marys then responded with a basket before another threepointer by Miriam Lane made it 40-25.
Imperials would not lie down that easy though and came back to score three baskets and a free throw. Imperials were now dominating the last five minutes of this quarter and there was now only five points separating the teams.
Imperials came out strongest after a time out and went two points ahead before another threepointer from Amber Galway kept St Mary's in the game. This game was very fast and both sides were giving it all. Imperials now ahead 48-45 with 30 seconds left. With St Mary's in foul trouble Imperials had advantage from the line with Linda Raymond converting. Third quarter ended 50-45 in favour of Imperials.
It was all to play for in the last quarter of this Senior Ladies Cup Final. Philomena O'Connor of St Mary's opening the scoring with a three-pointer and another two baskets before Imperials replied with two baskets. Mary's lead again 6156.
It didn't help that Imperials were on foul trouble but they were putting the pressure on for Mary's to keep their lead.
With 46 seconds left, Mary's gave away a technical. Imperials punished them by scoring one leaving just a basket to separate the sides. Noreen Kearney got fouled and scored one so Imperials needed a three-pointer to level but it was not to be.
- Eileen Moriarty
