Under 20 Men
Killester v Tolka Rovers
Under-20 Men’s National Cup Semi Finals
Killester 65 (24) (M Deegan 20, C Roe 19, P Sullivan 10) Tolka Rovers 54 (30) (P Caffery 12, D O’Beirne 11, M Blanchfield 8)
Tolka Rovers and Killester got the action underway in the Basketball Ireland National Cup U-20 semi final at Neptune stadium in Cork on Friday night.
Tolka captain David O’Beirne helped his side to establish an 8-2 lead in the early stages. Killester were fully aware of the stakes involved however, and responded superbly after some choice words from coach Mark Grennell. An intriguing first quarter ended with Killester in the ascendency on the court, but Tolka marginally ahead on the scoreboard 14-12.
Killester captain Ciaran Roe shot from way outside to bring his side back on level terms early in the second quarter. Killester were now looking much more decisive, the increased intensity of their defence matched by an assuredness in attack, that had been missing in the early exchanges. Nonetheless Tolka remained a well drilled side and Paul Caffrey rounded off some intricate offensive work to give Tolka a 30-24 half time lead.
Killester once again began sluggishly at the opening of the second half. Paul Caffrey and Gary McGinn again raised the tempo for Tolka, while Davy O’Leary came in to give increased height under the boards. Killester’s play was becoming somewhat error strewn. They were suitably punished by a Tolka side that was gaining in momentum and belief. Killester were desperate to secure a cup final berth however, and some clinical shooting from Emmett O’Toole kept them within touching distance. O’Leary and Karl Fleming combined to give Tolka an eight point advantage. However just as the game seemed to be slipping away from Killester, Ciaran Roe showed his metal as captain, hitting a three on the buzzer to bring his side back to within five 45-40.
A delicately poised fourth quarter began with Mikey Deegan finding his range for Killester to bring the game to three points. Deegan added another three shortly afterwards to square the game. Killester’s dogged spirit was beginning to bring an air of inevitability to proceedings, and soon they had raced into a five point lead. Now it was Tolka who were beginning to make mistakes, the erstwhile leaders looking increasingly leaden footed in the face of unrelenting Killester determination. Rowe continued his inspiring display to give Killester a 56-48 lead with three minutes to go.
It was a truly breathtaking team effort from Killester who showed superb resolve to come through this tie. If they can reproduce this kind of determination in the final they will be difficult to beat. Final score 65-54.
Killester 65 (24) (M Deegan 20, C Roe 19, P Sullivan 10) - Tolka Rovers 54 (30) (P Caffery 12, D O’Beirne 11, M Blanchfield 8)
In this quarter final clash, it is a trip into the unknown for both sides. These two teams have never met on any stage which makes this an unusual setting for the teams.
Usually by the quarter final stages, all the teams have faced off at some point in the past. It will be a real test for our lads.
For our men, injuries are a slight worry as Lucas Gokas and Co Captain Stephen McGrath had to sit out of last nights 2 point Dublin Cup loss away to Tolka. Lucas has missed 3 weeks now and is hopeful to be ready to go for the following weeks clash in Galway for our u18s. Stephen though will be determined to play a part on Saturday in Derry. He rolled his ankle representing DCU College freshers team last weekend.
Coach Mark Grennell was speaking to us about the two players missing and has this to say, " Injuries are a part of life for all teams. It's how the rest of the lads cop with them is the main thing. We have a strong group and I am confident we will not be looking to make any excuses. Stephen is a gutsy guy, I had to make him sit out last night so I have no doubt he will do what it takes to play Saturday. "
The winner of this game will go into the semi finals and set up a mouth watering clash against the winner of Ballincollig of Cork or North Dublin team Tolka Rovers. The 11890 Killester U20 Men's team tips off at 1.30pm in Bishops Field, Creggan, Co Derry. Keep an eye on the website for live score updates of the game or on Killester's TWITTER / FACEBOOK pages.
Result
Under 20 Men National Cup Quarter Final
11890 KILLESTER 75 NORTH STAR ( Derry ) 64
St Vincent's 36 11890 Killester U20 Men 57
In the opening round of the men's u20 cup, northside rivals faced off for a place in the quarter final of Ireland's premier competition.
Opening quarter, it was a slow start for the Killester lads with Vincent's opening the scoring and taking an early 7-2 lead. A '3' from Ciaran Roe closed the gap and some fine play from Mikey Deegan left Killester battling for the lead at the end of the first 9-13.
In the second, superb defensive play from Ciaran Roe, Stephen Campion and Steven McGrath was too much for Vincent's as they held the home team to 3 points this quarter and ran in a number of lay ups giving them a 12-30 lead at the half.
The home side came out at the half ready to play, Ciaran Roe however opened up the scoring with another 3 of his game high 21 points to put the visiting side up by 21. Vincent's hit back with 6 quick points but Stephen Campion, Roe and McGrath hit back putting 11890 Killester ahead by 24 going into the 4th.
The 4th quarter was a little bit sloppy, Vincent's increased their pressure and cause the visitors some problems but there was not enough time left and 11890 Killester moved on to the quarter final in comfortable fashion on a score line of 36 - 57.
The next round is the weekend of the 2-4th of December. Our lads get rewarded with a home draw and face North Star (Derry) who won in convincing fashion in Longford. It should be a great match up. Keep an eye out on the website for more information on this match up.
| U20 DUBLIN LEAGUE FIXTURES | ||||||
| COMP | DAY | DATE | TIME | HOME | AWAY | VENUE |
| CUP | THURS | 10/6/11 | 7:10PM | Tolka | Killester | Tolka S.C |
| LEAGUE | TUES | 10/11/11 | 7:40PM | Killester | UCD | St. Fintans |
| LEAGUE | TUES | 10/18/11 | 7:40PM | Killester | Templeogue | St. Fintans |
| LEAGUE | TUES | 10/25/11 | 7:40PM | Killester | Raiders | St. Fintans |
| LEAGUE | FRI | 11/4/11 | 9:00PM | St. Vincents | Killester | St. Vincents |
| LEAGUE | FRI | 11/18/11 | 7:30PM | Eanna | Killester | Eanna |
| LEAGUE | TUES | 11/22/11 | 7:40PM | Killester | Kilcock | St. Fintans |
| LEAGUE | WED | 12/7/11 | 8:30PM | UCD | Killester | UCD |
| LEAGUE | THURS | 12/15/11 | 7:10PM | Tolka | Killester | Tolka S.C |
| CHRISTMAS BREAK | ||||||
| LEAGUE | THURS | 2/2/12 | 8:30PM | Kilcock | Killester | Scoil Dara |
| LEAGUE | FRI | 2/10/12 | 9:10PM | Templeogue | Killester | Pres Bray |
| LEAGUE | TUES | 2/21/12 | 7:40PM | Killester | Eanna | St. Fintans |
| LEAGUE | TUES | 2/28/12 | 7:40PM | Killester | St. Vincents | St. Fintans |
| LEAGUE | MON | 3/5/12 | 7:15PM | Raiders | Killester | Loretto Bray |
| LEAGUE | TUES | 3/13/12 | 7:40PM | Killester | Tolka | St. Fintans |
