IRELAND’S BASKETBALLERS SECURED a historic bronze medal after beating Great Britain 60-57 at the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championships Division B today.
The result also means they earn promotion to Division A for their age group for 2020.
It is an impressive achievement for the squad, the majority of whom also earned a silver level at U18 level in Dublin two years ago.
Captain Claire Melia was among the game’s most impressive performers, ending the game with yet another double double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, in addition to seven assists.
Dayna Finn also registered a double double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, along with five assists and three steals, while Enya Maguire, Annaliese Murphy, Maeve Phelan and Rachel Huijsdens were similarly impressive.
Ireland led 22-7 at the end of the opening quarter, while they were 41-24 to the good at half-time.
Yet Britain threatened a comeback thereafter, and only trailed by six points, with the score 50-44, going into the fourth quarter.
Ireland’s rivals continued to close the gap thereafter, making it a one-point game amid a nerve-wracking finale, as Ebony Horton scored with just over a minute remaining.
However, Martin Conroy’s side held their nerve, with Melia scoring again to consolidate their victory.
That was just amazing,” Conroy said afterwards. “I spoke beforehand about those 12 women and what they’re capable of and how good they are together. The first quarter today was just immense, the defense we played holding Great Britain to just seven points and putting 22 up at the other end was just phenomenal. GB are such a good team, they were always going to run at us, and they came right back at us and got it back to one point at one stage, we did the right things though.
“We don’t have to do much with this team as coaches, as they’re just phenomenal players and there’s such unity there, their will to win is immense. This is twice they have won a European medal and I’m just the lucky one who was given the job to come on board with them and a fantastic staff. We’ve had our ups and downs this week, we’ve a had a couple of losses that we’re probably unhappy with, but the way we bounced back every time, is just incredible. I am so happy for each and every one of them.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
The organisers have ruined this competition. I’m delighted a French team have been given the same treatment as Leinster but it still doesn’t make it right.
Happy for Connacht though.
@Clark: what would you do though? Or what exactly can be done, considering the pandemic
@Andrew Taz Donohoe: play the feckin tie with players that have tested negative today. Same as should have been done with Leinster, we had a negative match day ready to go. These outbreaks will come and go, those players that are vaccinated and also negative on the day should be allowed play on.
You mean Testdemic.
@Clark: Agrred. These 28 :0 wins were never any good in situations where no one is at fault. Whoever came up with that should be fired on the spot! 1D10TS
@Andrew Taz Donohoe: think the point is, some games 28-0 and others 0-0.. how can that be‽?
@Eoin Roche: where you saying the same when Toulon had a match day 23 all test negative, yet the game was awarded to Leinster?
@Karl Mc Cauley: Thats easy, some games were cancalled due to covid outbreaks (which EPRC legistrates for) and awarded 28-0, and some were cancelled due to travel restrictions (which isnt legislatiled for) so were given as draws.
I didn’t see LNR say anything about it being a scandalous decision when Montpellier were handed a 28-0 win against Leinster
Well deserved, a justification for the brand of rugby they promote.
It’s a total anticlimax of a way for us to make the knockouts, but reaching the knockouts this year, is not near the same as reaching it when there’s only 8 teams, and there’s been a fair and equal group stage. However it’s still great to make it to the last 16, the aim now has to be to make sure we can put our best foot forward, and target further progression in the competition. Have to say I always liked Toulouse, but it’s totally hilarious to see the reaction from both Toulouse and the LNR. One thing to note is how the URC never came in to back Scarlets, Ospreys or Leinster when they got shafted.
@Patrick Breen: good point re the URC… And regarding getting through, its a topsy turvy year, take what you can get, and I bet there will be a great buzz in Connacht now going into this last game regardless.
@SPQH: enjoy it. Get to a semi snd earn the buzz
There’ll be no easy games in the last 16 but I’d like to avoid Racing and Leinster, Exeter and Le Rochelle also if I’m making wish-list
@mike ryan: I think they will be hoping to avoid us as well. A good win tomorrow should give us a home draw, which means we should avoid the likes of the teams you’re talking about.
@Donal McCarthy: actually, just had another look at the table, we need Scarlets to beat Bristol for that to happen. Unlikely
Castres will regret no going full guns last week, but then again they didn’t seem to be too bothered
@Scott Crossfield: I don’t think they give a daam, they’ve always been a bit of a disappointment in Europe, a bit like Montpellier.
@Scott Crossfield: if castres and wasps win toulouse go out.
@Scott Crossfield: Castes have been absolutley ridden by the Mike Addission and his team. The officals have a lot to answer for forward passes by quinns sealing off penalties not given. The last 20 miniutes of reffing was a disgrace
I had my doubts about this years H Cup when I first saw the format. But now………….. meh.
Leicester given a walkover too.
All done in trying to justify the unfair treatment of Leinster. 2 wrongs don’t make a right
More 28 nil BS.