Coughlan delights as determined Demons deliver Trophy glory

C&S UCC Demons turned on the style at Neptune Stadium yesterday to claim the Men’s Champions Trophy final.

Premier League champions Killester were favourites to win this game but Demons tenacious defence proved too much for them.

“In reality, we felt losing the league was a blow to us by losing to Killester at home, and we were determined to prove who the number one team in this country really is,” Demons captain Shane Coughlan said.

“We won the national cup and now the Champions Trophy and in most seasons we probably would have won the league also with two defeats, but look, Killester are also a very good side.”

Both teams looked nervous in the opening exchanges until Christian Anon settled Demons with a neat jumper. Killester slowly began punishing Demons turnovers and the game was tied at 8-8 apiece in the fourth minute. Gradually Demons began wearing down Killester and led 30-17 at the end of the opening quarter.

Surprisingly player coach Colin O’Reilly did not reappear for the second period as Demons resorted to some unusual shooting options outside the perimeter.

The quality of both defences was high but Demons produced vital baskets when Killester threatened to get back on level terms.

Johnny Behan was the one Killester player finding his shooting range but Demons deserved to go in at the break leading 44-35.

Killester began the third quarter sluggishly and with Shane Coughlan showing his experience, they surged into a 16-point lead. The player that stood out in this period was Anon, who broke Killester hearts with his trojan work at the post. The Spanish star was later named MVP.

By the end of the third quarter, Demons increased their lead to 22 points and down the stretch, all Killester could do was chase the game.

Killester coach Jonathon Grennell paid tribute to the winners and also to his own side after a terrific season.

“I think we did well to pip Demons to the league title but today it wasn’t to be and congratulations to the winners, they are a serious team.”

Scorers for UCC Demons: C Anon 19, L Colbert 16, C O’Reilly 14.

Scorers for Killester: M Bonaparte 14, J Behan 13, C Roe 10.

C&S UCC DEMONS: C Anon, K Hosford, B O’Neill, C O’Sullivan, S Coughlan, D O’Sullivan, M O’Leary, N O’Reilly, A O’Sullivan, L Colbert, C O’Reilly.

KILLESTER: I Westbrooks, R Clarke, A Casey, A Colfer, J O’Neill, K O’Brien, J Behan, P Sullivan, M Westbrooks, C Roe, N Hegarty, M Bonaparte, G Reid, M Gomez.

Referees: D Caballe (Mullingar), P Dempsey (Dublin), L Cassidy (Dublin).

MVP: Christian Anon (&Demons).