Tolka finally secure Irish title
After stuttering in a position of superiority in the latter weeks of the ESB Women's Super League campaign, Tolka Rovers finally stumbled over the finish line to secure their first-ever Irish title with a 44-65 victory at the University of Limerick.
In their final game, the result was enough to put the crown beyond the reach of deposed champions Wildcats who lost out on the series series tie-break, even after victory in their two remaining fixtures put the leading duo level on points.
Tolka appeared to have the league sewn up in January until a bad case of the jitters saw them lose three consecutive games. They travelled to Limerick knowing that nothing less than a win was likely to present Wildcats with their 6th consecutive league title on a plate. But a superb team display and some excellent individual performance from top scorer Rachel Kelly and Denise Walsh and Vanessa Burke ensured them the title, much to the relief of coach Maeve Coman and the travelling fans.
There was renewed confidence about Tolka from the start and their self belief, which has been missing since their January Cup defeat was back. Rachel Kelly, who had an outstanding game to cap her consistently reliable season, scored 10 quick points to give Tolka 15-6 lead with just five minutes played. Limerick rallied to cut it back to five with 2.30 in the quarter, but late baskets from Roisin Dixon and Denise Walsh extended Tolka's lead to 11, as they led 23-12 at the end of the quarter. Rachel Kelly brought her first half tally to 19pts with some excellent inside moves that left the Limerick defense for dead - courtesy of some inspired assists from Walsh and McNally.
Limerick struggled in offence and could only manage 3pts in the first five minutes of the quarter, while Tolka showed a fluidity of play that has been missing from their game in recent weeks. Late baskets from Frances Shiely cut Limerick's deficit, but Tolka still enjoyed a comfortable 40-21 advantage at the break.
Tolka had a shaky start to the second half with Limerick outscoring them 8-2 in the first 6 minutes, Nicola Farrell and Frances Shiely battling hard for the home side. Denise Walsh got Tolka back on track and a Nikki O'Brien three-pointer gave Tolka an 18pt cushion with three minutes left in the quarter. McNally and Burke worked hard under the boards to ensure Tolka a 51-32 vantage going into the final quarter.
Limerick made it difficult for Tolka in the final quarter, with Nollaig Cleary and Gillian Aherne playing tough defense on the Champions elect. But Tolka never really looked threatened and when Denise Walsh hit a big three-pointer to put her side up 57-38 with five minutes left, the victory and the title were deservedly sealed for Tolka Rovers.
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