UCC Glanmire hitting form at the right time of the season to make a bold bid for league and cup honours

A statement of intent for UCC Glanmire in the Women’s Super League as they demolished fellow title contenders St Paul’s Killarney at the Kerry venue.

Glanmire went into the game on the back of qualifying for the semi-final of the Paudie O’Connor National Cup and their opening quarter was a competitive one with them leading by the minimum entering the second quarter.

Coach Mark Scannell changed it up for the resumption and in the second quarter they produced champagne basketball that saw them take a 16- point interval lead.

The Killarney side did make a rally in the third quarter but still trailed by 15 points heading into the final quarter.

Coming down the stretch Glanmire closed out the game and with American Viane Cumber leading their scoring on 26 points they also had notable contributions from Claire O’Sullivan (16) and Jewel Watkins (14).

There was also a terrific performance on the road from Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell when they defeated Trinity Meteors 84-81.

The northside club were shocked last weekend when getting eliminated from the National Cup but they produced a far better display on this occasion.

After dominating the opening three quarters Brunell they took a 16- point lead into the crucial fourth period.

Credit to the Dublin side they battled to the wire but despite being on the ropes in the closing minutes Brunell held firm for a three- point win.

American Maddie Cluse led the scoring on 25 points, but captain Edel Thornton had another fine display with a 21 point contribution with the second American Brailyn Joseph on 14.

This was a crucial win for Brunell who look a side with depth that can match the best in this championship and despite their cup exit they can have a big say of where the Super League title is destined.

There was disappointment for Fr Mathew’s as they went down 86-69 at Waterford Wildcats.

The Cork side are still looking for their first win in this campaign and judging by the first half of the season they now look odds on to be relegated.

There was relief at the Neptune Stadium on Saturday when the home side secured their second win of the season in defeating a very disappointing Tralee Warriors side 112-87.

The one plus for the Neptune coach Ciaran Kiveney is that new American signing Samuel Henderson looks a far better fit for his side.

Coach Kiveney will also be pleased with his second American Mike Hayes who produced a 23 points against a Tralee side that were not interested in playing defence.

Gregorian Adon was the game’s top scorer on 30 points but the Neptune faithful will be nighty relieved to have secured their second win of the campaign with a certain home derby against UCC Demons looming on December 27.

Ballincollig are the new leaders of the Men’s Super League following their impressive 93-76 win at Killorglin.

The Kerry side are known good starters on their home court as they led by minimum 26-25 after the opening quarter.

On the restart the game was still in the balance with Ballincollig nosing ahead at the break 49-47.

In fairness Ballincollig battened down the hatches in the second half and completely shut down the various Killorglin scoring threats to run out impressive 17- point winners.

Latrell Jossell (21), Latavious Mitchell (19) and Josh Steel on 14 points led the Ballincollig scoring but their spread of scoring outside their professionals was impressive.

Next on the agenda for Ballincollig next weekend is a trip to play joint leaders Belfast Star and that will be a game of huge significance for the Leesiders.