Singleton’s Supervalu Brunell 70 Ambassador UCC Glanmire 62

A TERRIFIC battling performance from Singleton’s Supervalu Brunell earned them a place in the semi-final of the Women’s Champions Trophy following a comfortable win over local rivals Ambassador UCC Glanmire at the Parochial Hall yesterday.

In a game that took longer than anticipated to light up, Brunell put in a storming finish that eventually wore down the Glanmire challenge.

It was little surprise that Brunell coach Tim O’Halloran was pleased after guiding his team to a semi-final against the league champions Liffey Celtics on Sunday next in Carlow.

“I am pleased with the win as the girls worked very hard all season and now we are back with only one game standing between us and a place in the Champions Trophy final,” said O’Halloran.

The Brunell chief believes they will need to show the same aggression against the champions Liffey Celtics who defeated them in the cup final.

“We will need a big performance as Liffey are a class side, but I have every belief that we can turn them over if we bring our A game to the table.”

The mood in the Glanmire camp was naturally muted as coach Mark Scannell reflected on his team’s final game of the season.

“We were in the game up to the last quarter, but under the circumstances this season I would like to thank my entire squad for their commitment and dedication throughout the campaign,” said Scannell.

The atmosphere was tense right from tip-off with Trish Byrne giving Brunell an early lead only for Casey Grace to respond with a neat jumper.

The play was fast and furious, but a stunning Amy Murphy three-pointer levelled it for Brunell.

Brunell repeatedly turned the ball over and it was no surprise Glanmire led 20-14 at the end of the opening period.

The errors continued for Brunell on the restart and they were punished early when the Glanmire American Adella Randle El drained an offensive rebound.

The overall play in this quarter was a comedy of errors, but Glanmire always looked in control and led 28-21 midway through the quarter.

When Brunell needed inspiration, captain Danielle O’Leary found it as she nailed consecutive three-pointers and a free throw that tied the game with three minutes remaining to the interval.

As the turnovers continued the game got closer and a late Linda Rubene basket ensured Brunell led by the minimum at the break 34-33.

In the third quarter, both sides traded baskets but a late Byrne drive to the hoop saw Brunell lead 50-49 entering the final quarter.

Coming down the stretch, the brilliance of Byrne and Maddie Ganser proved too much for Glanmire as the ‘Nellies’ ran out deserving winners.

Scorers for Singleton’s Supervalu Brunell: D O’Leary 19, T Byrne 13, M Ganser 11.

Ambassador UCC Glanmire: A Randle El 20, A McKenna 12, C Grace 11.

Referees: G Daly (Cork), P Keohane (Cork).