McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles shackle iSecure Swords Thunder to go joint top

McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles ended iSecure Swords Thunder’s winning start to the Women’s Division One season, while extending their own to three games, after they chalked up a 59-30 victory in ALSAA on Saturday evening.

Emma Tolan, Lanetta Williams and Rahmena Henderson linked up for 37 points and 26 rebounds, as Cavan severely shackled their hosts to secure a win that sees them join their Dublin rivals at the top of the table with a game in hand.

“We’re very happy with the win in Swords” said McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles head coach, John Stephens.

“We knew the Thunder would be strong, particularly at home, and it was a great defensive effort, coupled with some nice offence, that gave us the win.

“It’s never easy playing in ALSAA and so it’s nice to close out October on a positive note” he added.

Limerick Celtics were taken to overtime by a tenacious Oblate Dynamos in Crescent College, but ultimately prevailed 101-98.

Stephanie McBride and Shelby Harmeyer each served up 31 points along with a combined 24 rebounds and nine assists, while Sabhbh Murphy hit a crucial six in overtime to help Limerick clinch a thrilling win against their Dublin rivals, for whom Sophie Staunton, Adia Brisker and Samantha Massey totalled 72 between them.

Cleveland Rockets produced a superb fourth-quarter comeback to beat Moy Tolka Rovers 71-62 for what was their first win of the season.

Caitlin Gloeckner bagged 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Anna Brennan put a further 19 on the scoreboard and Georgie McGrath mopped up 15 under the boards to help see the visitors battle back from 10 points down early in the fourth for a nine-point victory. 

In the first round of fixtures over this double-game weekend for the Men’s Division One, Limerick Celtics, Titans BC and ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers all extended their unbeaten starts to the season, the former storming to a 111-75 victory in their derby against Limerick Sport Eagles in Crescent College where Abdul Wurie and Ariyon Williams combined for 65 points.

Titans had just a point to spare as they edged a 69-68 win on the road against Maigh Cuilinn, while Portlaoise fought back from a slow start to beat Team NorthWest 75-68 in St. Mary’s Hall.

Mater Private Malahide shipped their first loss of the campaign after they suffered a 90-82 reversal at home against Moy Tolka Rovers, Emiliyan Grudov landing seven of his eight attempts from beyond the arc on his way to a 31-point total for the winners. Tolka followed that success up with a 94-81 triumph over Team NorthWest at home on Sunday.

Joels Dublin Lions finally got off the mark in Division One, winning out 95-91 against a Carrick Cruisers side, who themselves are still awaiting their first win of the season. Aidan Igiehon enjoyed a big night for the Clondalkin side with 36 points and nine rebounds.

Another big derby saw Scotts Lakers Killarney dig out a 91-86 triumph over Killarney Cougars in Presentation Gym, Mikah Blackwell emerging top-scorer on a huge 38 points with Kani Glover just one shy of that total for the hosts.

Aaron Jackson and James Aboaba linked up for 54 points as SETU Waterford Vikings recorded a 96-82 success against Tipp Talons in Carrickpherish Hall, while Drogheda Wolves ran out 92-85 winners over Ulster University in the lone Friday night fixture in Jordanstown Sports Village, Christian Simmons nailing all five of his three-point attempts on his way to a total of 38.

Ulster did bounce back from that defeat with a hard-fought 67-62 victory over Carrick Cruisers in the Phoenix Centre on Sunday, Nathan Karren and Curtis Larousse totalling 34 points, 21 rebounds and seven assists for the visitors.