Pope proves a blessing as Merry Monk complete quick double

PATRICK POPE, winner of a Nivea for Men SuperLeague medal with UCC Demons last season, appears to have come to the rescue of Merry Monk Ballina, judging by his performance against Shamrock Hoops on Saturday night.

His 41 points made a major contribution to Ballina’s 120-111 victory, although he was outscored by Hoops’ Reuben Statum, who popped 45.

Pope was again Ballina’s leading scorer yesterday when they entertained Roma St Vincent’s at the Sports Centre, but this time they lost by nine points in bidding for what would have been three wins in a row over the Dubliners.