Irish face uphill challenge after Bowdler withdrawal

JUST when things were right on target for tonight’s European championships semi-final round game against Macedonia Irish hopes of bouncing back where dealt a crushing blow by the enforced withdrawal of top scorer Cal Bowdler for family reasons.

Bowdler, top scorer against Germany and Croatia, had to make a dash back to Florence on Monday night after his nine-month-old daughter was admitted to intensive care.

Last night the coach Gerry Fitzpatrick was holding a faint hope that he would be able to rejoin the team for tonight’s game against Macedonia.

But already plans were in place for Marty Conlon, a 6ft 10in centre, to step in as the replacement under the boards - reverting to the original position in which he played on his debut against Germany last year.

Despite the setback Fitzpatrick is confident in his team’s ability in bringing off a good result although he said Bowdler’s absence makes it that bit more difficult.

“Cal had a huge impact on the team on and off the court. He is very committed to playing for Ireland and was devastated to be leaving but family has to come first.

The team had been in a very relaxed mood in Ohrid where they were based in a superb hotel on the shore of a lake.

They had two good training sessions on Monday and Marty Conlon and Tim Kennedy received treatment for injuries they received against Croatia when a back board was pulled on top of them and they subsequently had to have pieces of glass removed form their backs.

John O’Connell, a 6ft 6in guard, rejoined the team in Ohrid on Sunday. In the absence of Bowdler, Mick Richardson will take up his position in the squad.

Just a year ago Ireland came back from a 22-38 half time deficit to beat Macedonia 75-68 in Dublin. But they face a stiff task tonight when a victory is vital with Bosnia now almost certain to qualify in third position.

They beat Macedonia 93-79 at the weekend.

Ireland’s next game will be at home to Cyprus on January 22 and, three days later, they travel to play Bosnia.

At the moment Croatia and Germany who have each lost just one game are top of the table with 13 points, Bosnia Herzegovina, who have won five and lost two have 12 points.

Ireland and Macedonia, with two wins apiece are on nine points.