Despite rules breach, Ballincollig win will stand

Ballincollig coach Ciaran O'Sullivan celebrates against Eanna. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

Basketball Ireland’s National League Committee has ruled that the result of Saturday’s Men’s Super League semi-final will stand in Ballincollig’s favour, despite a rules breach around Irish players on the court.

Ballincollig won 98-77 but after the game Éanna signed the scoresheet under protest that Ballincollig had four professionals on court for around 10 seconds before it was picked up on.

The Basketball Ireland rule states a team must have two Irish players on court at all times, and that saw the Dublin side lodging a protest.

Ballincollig have been notified of their responsibility for this rule being adhered to and can now get set for their Super League final clash with Killester on April 12, shown live on TG4.

Ballincollig player-coach Ciaran O’Sullivan said: “I do not want to get into this right now as all I am interested in is the manner how well our team played in the second half, shooting the ball with precision, coupled with great defence and running out worthy winners.”

Neil Lynch hurt Ballincollig early with his slick shooting outside the paint and Éanna took a 23-18 lead into the second quarter.

After a sluggish three minutes the home team responded and when Adrian O’Sullivan banked a shot and got the bonus, following up with a three-pointer, they surged into a six-point lead. The biggest problem for Éanna was their inability to break down the high- octane Ballincollig defence and when Adrian O’Sullivan drained a three-pointer with 3.58 left the home side looked to be on the money as they stretched their second-half lead to 18 (64-46).

Meanwhile, UCC Glanmire will face Trinity Meteors in the Women’s Superleague decider after Mark Scannell’s side saw off Liffey Celtics 89-72 on Saturday night.

In a game the Cork side dominated over four quarters, impressive displays from Viane Cumber (30), Jewel Watkins (20), Claire O’Sullivan (14), and Annaliese Murphy (9) ensured they saw off their Kildare opponents without too much fuss.

Said Scannell: “We have been playing some serious ball in the last couple of months and we played as expected against a very gritty Liffey Celtics side who were buoyant after their win against St Paul’s in Killarney last week.

“The final against Trinity Meteors will be another test of our character but this is what our club is all about and I am honoured to be coaching such a tremendous group of players whose attitude is spot on,” he added.

O’Sullivan was once again superb for the home side, while Murphy has had a great fortnight and she came up trumps again outside the paint with consecutive three-pointers as this Glanmire side now have one foot in the final.

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