Preview: Enda Walshe
After a three week break, Utility Trust St Paul’s are back on the hardwood when they make the trip to the capital to take on Oblate Dynamos on Saturday (3.00pm).
There is no doubt that they will be itching for action after that short hiatus and looking to build on the momentum of a superb win over the Cavan Eagles.
That victory showcased all the attributes you need to be successful, a clinical offence and a ruthless defence. The Eagles had come to Killarney on the back of 100-point plus showing against Carlow but an intense St Paul’s press held them to just 19 first half points. The Cavan side improved in the second half but a Rheanne O’Shea led scoring effort captured the spoils.
Denise Dunlea was a powerhouse while Lorraine Scanlon and Khiarica Rasheed chipped in with 28 points between them.
Sofia Paska’s rebounding ability continues to be crucial as is her ability to find her scoring zone.
Lynn Jones will have welcomed the break to have allowed an underlying injury some breathing space but she knows that in Leah McMahon she has a player she can rely on for vital input.
Meabh Barry and Niamh Ni Chonchubhair are consummate team players while the youthful contributions of Mary Kate Smith and Cliona Coffey will continue to grow.
Even if you include the cup defeat you would do well to remember that James Fleming’s side has only tasted defeat twice in their 10 outings, the counter side to that is they have had some tough battles against their Northern Conference counterparts.
The Inchicore side may only have three wins so far this season but even in their defeats, they have been extremely competitive up to the final quarter.
With two home games in January against Dublin Lions and Carlow, St Paul’s know a victory in Oblate will really enhance their league prospects but, as they have found in both victory and defeat, you must earn your corn in the Fair City.
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