Brunell earn the local bragging rights and a place in the U20 National Cup final after big semi final win over Glanmire 

Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell 50

Glanmire 34

Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell were too good for Glanmire in the semi final of the Ken Clarke U20 National Cup at the GCU Parochial Arena on Friday night.

Brunell came into this game as red hot favourites with Super League players Clodagh Downey, Abbie Lyons, Rachel Bowdren, Laura Hannigan, Francesca Kyamagbro and Ava Walsh in their star studded lineup, however, Glanmire had Lucy Walsh and Faye McDonnell that play on their Super League team and also had their coach Mark Scannell calling the shots from the sidelines, so they certainly were not short of confidence coming into this game.

Brunell got off to a great start with Rachel Bowdren and Laura Hannigan having hot hands beyond the arc and led 13-6 at the end of the opening period.

They continued to hurt Glanmire in the second period with Francesca Kyamagbro, Bowdren and Hannigan all very effective from the three point line and although Lucy Walsh was working hard for Glanmire they trailed 30-14 at the half.

Brunell showed all their firepower in the third quarter and out scored Glanmire 16-4 which killed off the game as a contest and will now play either Tralee or Templeogue in the final in two weeks time.

Both sides started the game very nervously, however, Rachel Bowdren got Brunell up and running with a big effort beyond the arc to give them a 3-0 after two minutes of play. 

However, the Nellies suffered a blow when Francesca Kyamagbro picked up her second foul and had to sit down, but a huge three from Laura Hannigan and a breakaway layup by Abbie Lyons had them up 10-4 midway through the opening quarter. 

Offensively, Glanmire really struggled and were far too dependent on Faye McDonnell while Brunell were able to share their scoring and led 13-6 at the end of the quarter.

Lucy Walsh gave Glanmire a good start to the second period with a offensive rebound and a put back to trail 13-8, but when Kyamagbro and Hannigan nailed consecutive efforts beyond the arc, the Nellies led 22-10 midway through the quarter. 

Walsh reduced the deficit to 22-14 for Glanmire with two jumpers from the elbow, however, another three from Hannigan and Bowdren gave Brunell a 30-14 lead at the half.

Walsh gave Glanmire the perfect start to the third quarter with a pull-up jumper and a short baseline effort to trail 30-18, however, Ava Walshe responded for the Nellies with two strong drives to the hoop and a monstrous three to see them lead 37-18 three and a half minute from the restart. 

The big problem for Glanmire was that the same five players who started the game played the majority of the game, while Brunell coach Jodie Black had the luxury of playing her entire bench and that was certainly telling on the court as Brunell were a lot more energetic while the Glanmire girls were getting very tired. 

Another thee and a floater from Hannigan combined with buckets by Walshe the Nellies led 46-18 to enter the final period.

With the game over as a contest Brunell were able to rotate their entire squad and ran out comfortable winners.

Top scorers for Brunell: Laura Hannigan 16, Ava Walshe 13, Rachel Bowdren 6.

Glanmire: Lucy Walsh 16, Faye McDonnell 9, Chloe O’Driscoll 4.

GCU BRUNELL: Jean Ahern, Clodagh Downey, Sophie O’Keeffe, Abbie Lyons, Rachel Bowdren, Laura Hannigan, Francesca Kyamagbro, Lucey McKenzie, Ava Walshe, Mia Lynch, Lilli Hughes, Bolu Ugwah.

GLANMIRE: Chloe O’Driscoll, Alice Fitzpatrick, Katie-Mae O’Neill, Jessica Bolster, Sona Field, Lily O’Callaghan, Katie Quinlan, Lucy Walsh, Faye McDonnell, Lisa Krol, Sarah-Rose Walsh.

Referees: Linda Cassidy (Dublin); Peter-James Coughlan (Cork); Steven O’Shaughnessy ( Tipperary).