Cobras Basketball Club

Cobras defeated Longford Torpedos 58-48 in an enthralling NEBL Top Four tournament final in Longford today last to claim their first ever trophy in the competition.

There was nothing between the two sides during the league campaign, they played twice – 1 win each, both teams finished level on points – with Cobras edging the league title on aggregate score. With a trophy already under their belts, Cobras had the confidence but Longford as tournament hosts had the advantage of home court, it was set up to be a cracker and it didn’t disappoint.

A tentative opening quarter saw both sides miss alot of shots before settling, however Cobras found their groove a little earlier and led 16-12 at the end. The second quarter continued in much the same vane, but instead Longford were in the ascendecy the had pulled the scores level by halftime, 23-23.

They say that offense wins games but defense wins championships. Cobras broke the game open in the 3rd quarter on foot of some superb defensive play. Julianne Scanlon was putting on a phenonmenal rebounding display. Bernie McCormack, Jenny Healy and Mary Foley were agressively patrolling the passing lanes, not allowing Longford to settle in their offense and converting turnovers into points on the break. With the score of 43-35 entering the 4th quarter that elusive 1st Top 4 title was looking like becoming a reality.

After 3 1/2 quarters played Longford were in some foul trouble and Cobras were having more joy in the low post as Ciara Kennedy earned and the free throw that put them up 11 with 5 minutes to play. Longford went to a full court press defense and managed to cut the lead to 7. However, Bernie McCormack silenced the home support with a 3 pointer from the left wing to put Cobras back up 10 and finally break the Longford resistance. To ice the victory Mary Foley’s excellent all round performance saw her named as MVP.