Thornton the Brunell maestro

Singleton’s Supervalu Brunell and Glanmire will contest the Women’s U18 National Cup final following semi-final wins over Meteors and WIT Wildcats, respectively.

Despite Brunell going into their semi-final against Meteors as underdogs, a stunning 42-point tally from Edel Thornton helped them to an impressive 70-61 win.

The Dublin side have four current internationals but Thornton gave an exhibition that will long live in the memories of the club faithful.

Brunell led 16-15 after the opening quarter but in a pulsating second period the teams were level at 32 points apiece.

The Cork side commanded a nine-point lead entering the third quarter as the class of Thornton ensured they remain on track to complete three in-a-row in this championship.

After the game coach Kieran O’Leary praised the spirit of his team as not many pundits gave them a chance of toppling the might of Meteors.

“We knew we would have to play as if our lives depended on it and that’s the way it panned out and what can I say about Edel Thornton that hasn’t already been documented already,” O’Leary said.

“Glanmire in the final will see us go into the game as underdogs as they’ve already defeated us this season. But it will be a great day for Cork basketball to have two teams in the decider,” he added.

Glanmire were pushed all the way before eventually seeing off the stiff challenge of WIT Wildcats by 59-51.

The Cork side had to withstand a tremendous fight back despite leading 13-8 after the opening quarter. There was little to choose between the sides on the restart but a late flurry of baskets gave Glanmire a five-point lead.

The Cork girls looked in total control in the third quarter when commanding a 16-point lead but Wildcats battled to the bitter end and just failed to peg back their opponents.

It was a pleasing result for the Glanmire coach Mark Scannell.

“Wildcats refused to lie down but I am proud of the great determination that my team showed when the pressure came on them,” Scannell said.

“There is little doubt that Brunell will be tough opposition in the final but I would be confident that we can regain our title if we play to our strengths.”