Templeogue ladies land Top Four title

TEMPLEOGUE’S Senior Two Ladies dug deep to land the Top Four title in the National Basketball Arena last weekend.

After seeing off UCD in the semi finals, Templeogue found themselves up against league winners Malahide who had already beaten them twice this season.

Yet, determination to turn the tables on their north-side rivals, saw them bring the curtain down on their season with a 38-31 win.

Some tenacious defending by Virginia Garcia, coupled with an effective running game led by the young Tunnah sisters Amie and Lynn, helped Templeogue into a four-point advantage by the close of the first quarter.

Fiona Egan was also uncompromising in defence while Siobhan O’Neill mopped up many of the defensive rebounds.

Yet the team was dealt a blow in the second quarter when they lost the services of O’Neill to injury, yet Regina McDonald, together with Sarah Carroll stepped up to the plate when needed and Templeogue held on to their four-point cushion by the halftime break.

Yet Malahide began to turn the screw on their opponents in the third quarter and took the lead for the first time only to see Templeogue jump back in the driving seat with a timely three-pointer by Niamh Lakes.

Leading by three heading into the final quarter, Templeogue shipped an early basket as Malahide made the necessary push.

Lynn Tunnah later planted two free throws to propel Templeogue five points in front, and with Garcia making two huge late blocks, they were able to run the clock down for a tremendous victory.

There was no Top Four joy for Templeogue’s Division Five Men’s team as they lost out 65-57 to Balbriggan.

Still, having previously captured the league and cup titles, this Templeogue side has enjoyed a great season.