Limerick Lions 49
AOL Broadband Waterford 53
Limerick would look to be a happy hunting ground for AOL Broadband Waterford; having got their first win of the season there some weeks ago they added their second on Saturday afternoon last.
Unlucky against St. Brendan’s Tralee the previous week at home, the team were playing much better and were very much up for the game in Limerick.
Another slow start by AOL almost had them out of contention with just five minutes gone, 8 pts to 0 behind it needed a huge effort on their part to first stop Limerick and then get their own scores.
While holding the home side 6 in the remaining minutes of the quarter they managed 11 points to leave just 3 between the teams. Steven Begadon, Kieran Nyhan and a three pointer by Larry Murphy helping make up the 11 points.
AOL kept up the defensive pressure throughout the second period keeping Limerick to just 9 points while making 14 giving the visitors a halftime lead, 25 pts to 23, again a three from Murphy and another from Remigijus Saliamonis making
the difference.
There was little happening offensively in the game with both defences again totally on top, as the second half got under way.
Tommy O’Mahony made a three and Steven Begadon followed with a two open up a seven-point gap for the visitors but the home side fought back.
AOL managed just 11 points and Limerick 13 to tie the score at 36 each at the end of the third.
For most of the final period there was little between the teams, Limerick went a basket in front, Waterford pulled it back, the visitors went a basket up the home side pulled it back.
With just over a minute left the home side looked to have made a decisive move, a successful free throw followed by a basket put three points between the teams, Nyhan made a basket for AOL but Limerick again hit back with a basket restoring their lead. Waterford then missed an easy chance and with just 30 seconds left the home team had the ball and the game looked over.
Tommy O’Mahony then made a major play stealing the ball and getting fouled in the process, he made the first free throw, missed the second which Nyhan rebounded and made the basket to tie the game.
Limerick still had an opportunity to win the game buy the Waterford defence stood up well winning back the ball. This time Gary Walsh was at the end of a good move to put Waterford ahead and for good measure made another score on the buzzer to make the margin four 53 to 49.
Not a free scoring game of basketball but a though battle which AOL Broadband Waterford stood up to especially in the final minute when it mattered most.
AOL Broadband Waterford Team and Scorers:Niall Berry (3) Tommy O’Mahony (6) Larry Murphy (7) Steven Begadon (9) Kieran Nyhan (8) Gary Walsh (5) Paul Collins (2) Andey Piper (2) David Hogan them manage 11 points to leave just 3 between the teams 14 pts to 11Remigijus Saliamonis (11)
Next Game
There is not much rest for AOL Broadband over the Christmas & New Year, with two games to be played on the first weekend of the New Year the players will have to keep themselves in good condition. On Janurary 3rd. they are at home to Sligo again in the Kingfisher Club and on the Sunday January 4th. they are on the road to Killarney.
Next Home Game
AOL Broadband Waterford V. Sligo All Stars
Kingfisher Club Waterford RSC
Saturday January 3rd.
Tip Off 7.30 PM
AOL Broadband Waterford
Kids Programme.
On Friday night last in the Ursuline Sports Hall the AOL under 12 team played host to Carlow for a game in the Kilkenny League.
The game was close throughout with no more then a basket between the teams at any time. Into the final minute and AOL were one point behind when Dale Kavanagh made a lay up to put the home one in front 21 to 20 as the clock ran out. A good win for all involved with this team.
A Very Happy Christmas and New Year to all our Sponsors and Supporters from all the players and club members in AOL Broadband Waterford Basketball Club.
