Tolka spring final
surprise
Tolka Rovers upset expectations in the
final of the Sprite Women's Cup Final, the Dubliners taking the narrowest
of victories off Snowcream Wildcats, 59-58.
The victory was the second time the Dublin outfit has shocked the long
unbeaten Waterford side in three weeks and dethroned the holders from their
title. And Wildcats only had themselves to blame, the 1998 treble winners
in possession of a 13 point lead early in the second half.
Baskets from MVP Rachel Kelly and a three pointer from Lorraine O'Brien
cut the Tolka deficit to four as the final five minutes beckoned and then
foul trouble began to afflict Wildcats like a bad rash.
A further three pointer from O'Brien put Tolka ahead, a lead extended
to seven soon after. With 23 seconds on the clock, Michelle Maguire took
the score to within one point but her extra foul shot fell short and the
Dubliners held on for a famous victory.
There was some consolation for Waterford as their Junior Women defeated
Tralee 66-30 in that final.
