There was no joy for the St Paul’s ladies’ development squad in the NICC Cup when they got pipped at the post by Athlone in a Round 1 game played in Kilcummin.
It really was a game of two halves as St Paul’s looked to have a tight grip on the first half but Athlone came roaring back in the second period. The loss of Siobhan Burns in the third quarter was a blow but Athlone were also very adept from three-point land and it was here they did the most damage.
Mathilda Parker hit an opening three for Athlone but Liadh Tobin, Jade Potts and Julie Delaney settled to the task. Tobin was particularly effective inside and a Siobhan Burns three helped to make it double scores, 10-5 after four minutes.
Coach Joey Sheehan, standing in for Mikah Blackwell who was on Scott’s Lakers duty, used his bench effectively with the likes of Ava Sheehan and Katie O’Brien finding their range.
The second quarter followed a similar tone with Marguerite Cronin and Ciara Moynihan adding to the home sides total and Lyselle O’Shea, Ava Doherty and Alma Cronin keeping the pace of the game high.
Aisling McCormack who was impressive throughout for Athlone kept the Midlanders efforts going but St Paul’s looked in control, with the scoreboard reading 34-17.
The third quarter gave little warning of any upset, and although low scoring it still meant St Paul’s held a 13-point lead. Liadh Tobin was again prominent but Siobhan Burns had to retire injured. Her cousin Ciara Moynihan joined the action on court but Julie Delaney was also in foul trouble. Little things like that weren’t going St Paul’s way but still no hint of an Athlone comeback.
But it soon came. kick started by an Emma Fagan three which was the first of a trio for Athlone. Niamh Brady closed it to two and McCormack pulled her side level. St Paul’s attempted to regain their scoring fluency through Katie O’Brien who helped to drive them clear again, 46-43.
Eve Gilpatrick slung in another three which was followed by two more baskets from Emma Fagan and McCormack to put Athlone four clear. Ava Sheehan sliced the gap in half but Athlone held out for the win on a 51-48 scoreline.
This was the first game of the season for the side, with two county league games coming up next weekend. These games will help them sharpen up ahead of the first development league game which comes towards the end of the month.
It was great to see 11 players all getting meaningful game time and there will be plenty of action for them this winter between all the competitions.
St Paul’s: Lyselle O’Shea, Alma Cronin, Liadh Tobin (15), Jade Potts (4), Julie Delaney (4), Ciara Moynihan (3), Ava Sheehan (8), Siobhan Burns (3), Katie O’Brien (9), Marguerite Cronin (4), Ava Doherty.
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