Defence key in Montenotte win

TEAM Montenotte retained the Women’s U20 National Cup after a dogged battle with Meteors in their Saturday tussle. In a low-scoring encounter, tenacious defence in the third quarter helped the Cork side prevail against a gritty Dublin outfit.

The victors had the perfect start when Áine McKenna drove to the hoop in the second minute for a classy bucket before Orla O’Reilly landed a huge three pointer that gave them a 5-0 lead after three minutes.

Meteors’ Éimear Martin replied with a three pointer before Jessica Scannell was twice on target for a 10-3 lead and seemed set to ease clear.

Inexplicably the Cork girls resorted to long range shooting which delivered little while Meteors were content to play it safe and trailed by one (13-12).The Cork side continued to struggle on the restart and with Deirbhle O’Keeffe in fine form, the Dubliners deservedly led 27-24 at the break.

Then the Montonotte defence came into play, containing Meteors to just four points in the third, while the offence all did the business to take a 36-31 lead into the final quarter. There was no way back for Meteors as Montenotte sustained their rigid defence.

Jessica Scannell who finished on 12 points was awarded MVP and father Mark who guided the team admitted: “Although we did not break any records in the scoring, it was all about winning the game.”.

Scorers for Team Montenotte Hotel Cork 56 (24): (J Scanlon 12, O O’Reilly 9, S O’Reilly 9).

Scorers for Meteors 41 (27): (D O’ Keefe 11, E Naughton 9, B Meaney 8).