UL charge to title triumph

UL claimed their first women’s Superleague title in seven years with a comfortable win over holders Team Montenotte at the National Basketball Arena yesterday.

Despite a good opening half, the game petered out as a contest in the second as a better-balanced UL side showed their class to take the title in style.

“We were made work very hard by a very determined Montenotte side who are never beaten until the final buzzer,” said UL coach James Weldon.

“We won two trophies this season and hopefully I will be given the job next season to carry on working with an excellent squad.

“I thought Natalie Taylor was excellent with some of her shots but overall it was a team performance.”

It was evident in the opening exchanges that Montenotte were concentrating on transition defence to put their opponents out of their stride.

In the opening five minutes the basketball was excellent and, with Rachael Vanderwal dominating at point, UL commanded a 15-7 lead in the sixth minute.

The closing minutes of the quarter saw both teams play outstanding basketball and when Marie Breen drained a three-pointer with 32 seconds remaining Montenotte had reduced the deficit to 15-13.

Vanderwal had the final say with a deft jump shot that ensured UL led 17-13 entering the second period.

Vanderwal was the thorn in the Montenotte side as she opened up with another superb basket to put her team in control.

However, some silly fouls by Vanderwal forced coach James Weldon to replace her in the 12th minute.

Defence was playing a huge key in stopping Montenotte’s scoring threats as they trailed 26-15 with 6.33 remaining to the interval.

Suddenly, Montenotte began playing far better basketball at both ends and the deficit was reduced to six points.

Grainne Dwyer was now in full flight and when she shot a three-pointer in the 18th minute the sides were tied at 27-27.

The reintroduction of Vanderwal steadied but UL and the game was finely poised at the break, with the Limerick side 34-30 ahead.

UL picked up the tempo on the restart as Montenotte’s scoring dried up in the opening five minutes and the Limerick side stretched their lead to eight points.

Montenotte were choosing silly passing and shooting options as coach Mark Scannell called a time out to steady the ship.

It made little difference as UL piled on the pressure in the closing minutes of the quarter and the game looked over as a contest when they held a commanding 57-40 lead entering the final quarter.

In the final period Montenotte played with more determination but the class of Vanderwal and Taylor (MVP) was always evident as UL cruised to victory and a cherished league title.

In the Division 1 final, Liffey Celtics defeated Cork side Brunell 73-46.