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.

The mens team outlasted Mullingar Dragons in an absorbing semi final contest in Longford yesterday, eventually winning out by the minimum 75-74.

Fresh from their league triumph, the ladies had 30+ points to spare over Killenkere to secure a place in their first ever Top Four final.

The ladies final takes place in Longford today (25th April) at 3.30 with the mens final at 5.30.

The senior ladies secured their first ever North East League title last night with a comprehensive victory over Cavan Utd. Having beaten close rivals Longford in March and then following that up with wins against Killenkere and Jets, the Cobras ladies were odds on to lift the trophy. However, with players and supporters well aware of the decade of heartache that preceeded last nights game, nobody was taking anything for granted…

Any pre match nerves or lingering doubts were quickly dismissed.

Mary Foley and Jenny Healy hit baseline jumpshots, Julianne Scanlon pulled in a rebound and went coast to coast, Bernie Mc pulled the strings at the point. Cavan didn’t register their first score until the 8th minute. At the end of the 1st quarter Cobras led it 20 to 2. Game looked over, everyone knew it, nobody was saying anything though…something about counting chickens.

Not this time.

Cobras pressed home their advantage, there was no let up in intensity as they forced turnover after turnover and converted on the break. Ciara Kennedy, outstanding.

113 seconds to go. Timeout Cobras.

With 60 odd points to spare, there was time to breathe, the message from the bench and sidelines was simple, savour the moment. Good things to those who wait.

Taking place on Saturday 24th April 2010 at The Mall Sports Complex, Longford.

Semi Final Fixtures
2:30pm, Torpedo V Lakers (Ladies)
4:00pm, Cobras V Dragons (Men)
5:30pm, Cobras V Killenkere (Ladies)
7:00pm, Cavan V Savi BC (Men)

Finals on Sunday 25th April.

The senior ladies match vs Jets and the mens match vs Savi BC, originally scheduled for 7th January were postponed due to the snow. At the time of writing, the mens match vs Trim fixed for 14th January is going ahead.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the weather, we are occasionally required to postpone some matches, as it is not possible to play. During this time, players are encouraged to continue with indoor training, or simply take some time to relax, visit http://www.onlinepoker.com/, and rest up before for the rescheduled game. We always aim to reschedule all fixtures as soon as is possible.

We will make provisions to account for bad weather whenever we are able to do so. We also make an effort to inform all those involved as soon as possible in the event of a cancellation. Take a look at the current list of fixtures to see which upcoming games are currently scheduled to take place.