Brunell play poorly and lose at home to Killester in women's SuperLeague

Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell 61 

Killester 74 

Killester produced a battling display to defeat Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell in a competitive Domino’s Women’s Super League top of the table clash at the GCU Arena on Sunday.

In a tough physical battle from start to finish the Killester American duo of Sam Haiby (25) and Audrey Roden (21) proved the difference between the sides.

Sadly, the Brunell professionals Brailyn Joseph (15) and Maddie Cluse (9) had a poor day at the office only contributing 24 points between them.

Right from tip off both sides were intent on running the ball but Killester got off to steady start with a neat Audrey Roden jumper.

The home side were careless and in their opening six possessions they had three turnovers before eventually Edel Thornton drained a brace of free throws.

Gradually the home side began playing smarter basketball and following a superb Brailyn Joseph floater they raced into a 7-5 lead.

In fairness Killester were playing solid basketball but with Brunell in their faces they were finding it hard to clear looks.

The scoring averages were low as both defences were working extremely hard but surprisingly the Brunell turnovers continued with Killester leading 11-7 with 2.37 remaining in the quarter.

A stunning Thornton three pointer in the closing minute that helped them take a 17-13 lead entering the second quarter.

Megan O’Leary has made a good impact since returning to the fold for Brunell after a few years spell in Australia and she showed her class with a deft move to the hoop on the restart.

The home side were playing excellent defence and Killester didn’t seem to like it and the introduction of young Abbie Lyons gave them more energy as they raced into a 23-15 lead in the 14th minute.

Sloppy play from Brunell in the offence court saw Killester respond with consecutive baskets from American Sam Hailby as the lead was reduced to four points midway through the quarter.

The home players and fans were rightfully frustrated with the number of fouls that were missed in this physical half but the home team continued to edge this fascinating period leading 29-27 in the final minute.

A brace of Mimi Clarke free throws levelled proceedings before Ava Walshe nailed a dagger outside the arc.

The experience of Clarke came to the surface again in the visitors last possession when she produced a monstrous three pointer that tied the game at 38 points each at the interval.

Looking at the half time stats the Brunell coaching staff are bound to have concern with their shooting outside the arc 3/16 a low average of 19%.

Haiby was the one player that Brunell were finding it hard to shut down and she opened up with a neat banked shot that was followed by a similar basket from the American.

The home side were now struggling in defence and when Leva Bagdanavicience followed with a lay-up the Brunell coach Liam Culloty immediately called a time out just two minutes into the quarter.

It was evident Brunell were struggling at both ends of the court as Killester looked to be taking control.

For some strange reason Killester began turning the ball over losing three consecutive possessions as their lead was reduced to three points midway through the quarter.

The closing minutes was all about Killester as they took a 54-45 lead into the final quarter.

Coming down the stretch both teams went for the jugular but Killester finished well and deservedly secured the points.

Scorers for Gurranabraher Credit Brunell: L Homan 15, B Joseph 10, E Thornton 9, M Cluse 9.

Killester: S Haiby 25, A Roden 21, M Clarke 12.

Gurranbraher Credit Union Brunell: K Sexton, C Downey, L Hannigan, A Walshe, L Homan, M O’Leary, I McSweeney, E Thornton, K Walshe, B Jarrell-Joseph, M Cluse, R Bowdren, A Lyons Killester: A Elliot, M Clarke, S Hailby, L Turner, S Courtney, S Power, A Roden, A Connolly, L McFarland, L Bagdanaviciene, H Thornton, M O Seaghada.

Referees: P Persson (Cork). C O’Mahony (Kerry).