Moycullen Superleague Match Report
Moycullen captain Paddy Lyons
Date: 6th October 2018
Venue: Killorglin Sports Complex, Kerry
Killorglin 81 (38)
Moycullen 64 (28)
A tough shooting night for Moycullen in the Kingdom meant the men from Galway left Kerry disappointed but with no complaints after an 81 to 64 defeat against Superleague newcomers Killorglin.
The league debutants, in their first ever home game in Ireland’s top league, played with the energy and desire one would expect on such an occasion and now remarkably sit tied atop the standings having started the season with back to back to wins.
In fairness to the losing Moycullen side, they played their part in a hugely entertaining contest that was only decided in the closing minutes when the home side ran in some late scores to push out the final margin.
The men from Galway physically matched a much bigger Killorglin outfit and brought to the game the intensity that their many years at Superleague has developed within the squad.
However, the visitors simply could not find their shooting touch on a night when they created ample scoring opportunities to have earned a victory.
“The result doesn’t reflect the effort,” remarked a frustrated Moycullen head coach John Cunningham after the final whistle.
“After struggling to score early, we battled very hard and got it back to 3 points midway through the fourth but we’re just not capitalising enough on the scoring chances we’re creating and that punishes you at this level.”
In front of a sold out and packed Killorglin Sports Complex crowd, the home side were quick out of the gates with their American superstar Pierre Newton proving to be a handful.
Newton’s Moycullen counterpart, Maryland native Isaiah Harris Winn, was well up to the challenge however as his fine start to the season continued with some fine baskets in the opening quarter to keep Moycullen in touch early on.
Worryingly for Moycullen however was that with the exception of some deft early scores by big Joe Tummon, no player was able to get in scoring rythm in a first half that saw Killorglin’s balance attack stretch them into a deserved 10 point lead.
Led by their captain Paddy Lyons, who finished the game on 12 points, Moycullen looked likely to turn the game in the third quarter as some strong defence led to fast break points against a visibly tiring Killorglin outfit.
Buoyed by their vocal home support, the Kerry men found another gear in the fourth quarter and some timely fast break scores and offensive rebounds gave them just enough breathing space to quell the Moycullen comeback.
Next up for the Moycullen men is a home game against their old friends from Cork, UCC Demons.
There is little love lost between these sides who have had some brilliant battles over recent years.
For Coach Cunningham, the key to ending up on the right side of the score line this coming Saturday is simple.
“The answer is easy – put the ball in the basket, but that needs a lot of hard work and attention to detail.”
His players will get a chance to answer on Saturday – doors open at 7pm in NUIG for a 7.30pm tip off time.
Moycullen Scorers: Isaiah Harris Winn 24, Patrick Lyons 12, Joseph Tummon 12, Paul Kelly 4, Kyle Cunningham 4, Dylan Cunningham 4, Connor Curran 3, Cian Nihill 2, James Lyons, Josh Marvesley
Categories: News
CC Mhaigh Cuilinn 