Steely Moycullen edge Star in final thriller
But victorious coach Nollaig Cunningham never doubted his side’s character. He said: “When we lost Paddy Lyons at Christmas, many folk wrote us off but the lads in the squad stepped up big time and their hard work was rewarded today. We knew going into the game that Star were dangerous outside the perimeter and we concentrated on shutting down the various threats, and it worked.”
The opening quarter was a pulsating affair before two late Rory Gilson baskets edged the Galway side ahead (17-13).
Belfast Star, with Sean Rooney in superb shooting form, were stung into action and soon enjoyed a four-point lead. Cunningham called a time out and altered his defence in an attempt to stall the Ulster side’s momentum.
It worked a treat as Stephen O’Brien restored Moycullen’s advantage at the interval (35-31)
After a tight and cagey third quarter, Moycullen commanded a three-point lead heading into the final quarter. With MVP O’Brien and Gilson executing the crucial baskets, the westerners were not to be denied this triumph.
Star coach Adrian Fulton was fulsome in his praise of the victors: “They never allowed us into our rhythm. The Quinn brothers struggled with injuries in the build to the game but it would be wrong of us not to be gracious in defeat. Moycullen are a magnificent club with excellent structures.”
Scorers for Moycullen: Rory Gilson 17, Stephen O’Brien 15, Kyle Cunnigham 14.
Scorers for Belfast Star: Sean Rooney 14, Liam Pettigrew 13, Conor Quinn 13.
MVP: Stephen O’Brien (Moycullen).
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