Final Score: Moycullen 89 – 83 Abbey Seals Dublin Lions

By Steven Heaney

AFTER COMING out on the wrong side of a couple of tight games over the last couple of weeks, Moycullen’s Superleague side got back to winning ways this past Saturday, with a win over League newcomers Dublin Lions. 

Lily Shelly from our U10 girls presenting the game ball to our referee’s at the game.

Moycullen had to dig deep for this victory however. A slow start meant they were forced to chase for most of the game, until a three-point barrage in the final quarter propelled them into the lead. 

Speaking after the game, Moycullen forward Dylan Cunningham expressed hope that this win could give his side something to build on: 

“It feels good to get a win after coming so close the last couple of weeks,” he said.  “There aren’t really any easy games in this league anymore – the standard has got so high. 
“But with any luck, this win might give us some momentum going into the tough games we have ahead over the next few weeks,” he added. 

In the first half, Lions size inside seemed to cause Moycullen’s offense some significant problems. Slowly but surely though Lions’ big men got into some foul trouble, and so could be somewhat less aggressive defensively, a development Moycullen began to exploit as the game went on. 

Liam Conneely pictured opposite who’s attempt at the #Nuark3PointChallenge just went left at the very very end. Looked liked it was good all the way. Hard luck Liam.

Still no winner this year, next chance is at our home game on Saturday 9th September in the Jes.

Many thanks to Nuark for their continued support of the club and the SuperLeague team.

Having trailed by 10 in the opening period, Moycullen cut the lead down to two by halftime. 

Our U12 girls entertained the crowd at halftime to a super game of basketball. The girls have been working work all year under the guidance of coaches Fionn Shelley & Mary Walshe. Well done girls!!!!

In the third quarter, the game became very back and forth affair, with neither said able to nudge themselves ahead by too much. 

Joseph Tummon and Grant Olsson netted some long-distance scores for Moycullen, while Paul Kelly and Conor Curran used their quickness to push the ball for some fastbreak scores. 

Lions were able to find the answers though, and with the teams all tied up in the final moments of the quarter, Lions guard Romonn Nelson ran in back-to-back finesse layups, giving the visitors a 66 – 70 lead at the end of the period. 

In the fourth, Moycullen absolutely exploded out of the blocks. 

Conor Curran, Daniel Vila and Kyle Cunningham each netted three-pointers as Moycullen went on a timely 16 – 0 scoring run to open the period, leaving Lions totally shell-shocked.  

A handful of missed free-throws from Moycullen did give Lions a couple of chances to close the gap late on, but Moycullen’s defense held strong. Final Score 89 – 83 in favour of the home team. 

“A win was vital tonight and the guys dug in to deliver it.  0-7 starts to both halves and 3 -14 from FT’s in the last quarter would have knocked the stuffing out of most teams but these guys work really hard to be good enough to play at this level and weren’t letting go of a win they truly deserved,” said John Cunningham when reflecting on the game.

“Leaving aside the free throws, we have always said that on a day where our shooting reflects what we’re capable of, we’ll be hard to beat” he continued.

“We’ll take confidence from this and move on.  I have to admire what the guys deliver in a league where night after night they face opposition with 3 or more pro’s on court at any one time. Despite this, when we scout the opposition and discuss matchups, nobody ever questions who they’re guarding or raises any doubts about what’s ahead.  They just take it in their stride and get ready for battle”.

Next week, Moycullen make the long trip down to Kerry, to take on last year’s league Winners, Tralee Warriors. Both games last year were tight affairs and the lads will be hoping that they can build on this win.

Moycullen: Paul Kelly (17), Grant Olsson (16), Daniel Villa (15), Conor Curran (14), Joseph Tummon (14), Kyle Cunningham (9), Dylan Cunningham (4), James Conaire, James Lyons, Dara Kenna

Categories: Men's Superleague, Mens, News