Coach happy as home grown talent sets Neptune alight
This could turn out to be a very important victory for Neptune who want to be in a challenging position going into the second half of the competition, and it was fashioned by Kenny Gamble who dominated the first half with 28 points to his credit.
“It was nice to win and particularly gratifying when you consider the fact that Notre Dame had five Americans on the floor,” Coach Martin Aherne said. “OK, you have your stars and inspirational performances like that of Kenny Gamble but when it comes down to it your real strength is in the home players and we are very fortunate in this area.
“We have some excellent young players. Michael McGinn had a super game and Kieran O’Brien was excellent. They we had Marcus Walley and, of course, Gordon Fitzgerald, whose commitment on and off the court is an inspiration to everyone.
“He is based in the Curragh right now and he travels down midweek to train with us. They when he goes on the court he is a born leader. He shows total determination. I often look at the younger players now and recall how Gordon sat on the bench for five years before he got decent court time.”
With Kenny Gamble on fire, Neptune were fast away. Notre Dame fought back to draw level twice in the first and again in the third quarter but, from here on, Neptune were in control.
Smart plays from Stephen McCarthy gave them control in the third quarter when a big three-pointer from David Langrell converted their dominance on to the scoreboard.
Any time Notre Dame cut the deficit Neptune were able to respond and, with the points coming from across the board, they led by 10 at the end of the third quarter. Brandon Hughes, JoJo Chambers and Anthony Jenkins all worked hard but turnovers were punished by Neptune who increased their lead to 15 points.
“It was only in the closing minutes that we clinched it,” Coach Aherne said. “But it was a sweet victory. We are two points clear at the top now but it should be remembered that a couple of teams have a game in hand.”
If this was a cup rehearsel at the Waterford IT, then Sx3 Star will be happy with their 69-86 victory but Waterford will want to put the game behind them. They never really got into the contest despite early promise and, in the end, Pat Campolieta, John Leahy and Adrian Fulton proved too strong.
Star started well, built up a 20-26 lead in the opening quarter and held on to lead 39-46 at half time. From here on they were always in control despite a third quarter fight back by Crystal.
Hibernian UCD Marian were dealt their second consecutive defeat when they went down 90-84 to Burgerking Limerick who had a strong first quarter, opening up an early lead, 14-4.
The home team continued their form into the second quarter and enjoyed a 16-point lead at half time (55-39). The closest Marian were to come in the second half was within six points as Limerick rallied and held a 74-68 lead at the end of the third quarter. Jermaine Turner fouled out with two minutes to go but the game was over for Marian and Limerick collected the points to move into joint second position on the Superleague table.
In the ESB Women’s Superleague, a superb final quarter saw St Paul’s earn a 72-63 victory over Killester after a thrilling game in Killarney.
The first half was basket for basket with Killester dominating 39-44 at half time. Killester stormed into the third quarter and great offensive play from the Dublin team left Killarney trailing by 11 points midway through the quarter.
Just when it looked like it was all over for the home team Diane Griffin, Sara Cartmill and Marissa Galway upped their defence and pulled the game back to a point, 54-55, at the end of the third quarter and set up a spectacular finish.
Carmel Kissane fouled out in the final quarter, leaving Killester short, while St Paul’s team confidence soared to new heights.
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