Rathdrum in danger
Wednesday February 10 2010
RATHDRUM ARE in danger of relegation if they continue their recent losing streak. The ladies travelled to Rathfarnham to take on Beaufort on Tuesday, February 2. Having beaten this team in the first round game, the girls were confident and this showed in the opening two quarters with Rathdrum matching Beaufort basket for basket.
However, Rathdrum's opening baskets came from a well structured offence and Beaufort's, ominously, came from the free-throw line. Failure to defend effectively against Beaufort's drive to the basket and poor blocking out under the boards left the Rathdrum side in foul trouble early on and Beaufort, familiar with their own baskets, were point perfect from the free-throw line, converting all their chances and chalking up nine points. These proved crucial scores as the game drew to a close. On the positive side Rathdrum's centre Grace Sexton had her strongest offensive game this season scoring nine points.
Niamh Galligan and Margot Hughes added eight each and newcomer Mary Quinn pointed six for Rathdrum. With additional scores from Mary Giles, Helena Dennehy and Rossann Kinsella, Rathdrum managed to register 41 points, generally enough to secure a win in this division, but, a dreadful third quarter, which Rathdrum lost 12-2, made the difference between the two teams at the end. Despite a strong fourth quarter, with Annette Scott dominating under the boards and Mary Doyle chasing every loose ball, Beaufort were worthy winners 51-41 in a very sporting encounter.
Again Rathdrum must guard more effectively against the inside play and the outside shots if they are to hold their position in Senior 4 next season.
Coach Winifred Kelly was very positive about aspects of the game and, as newcomers begin to find their feet, the ladies are confident they are deserving of a place in Division 4 for next season. Rathdrum ladies are still in the Senior Cup competition, in which they will take on Dublin Lions on February 23rd. Their next outing will be another league encounter against Team Euro on February 12th.
