Shimna aces in spotlight

15 January 2020

THERE were five star performances from both Shimna Stars male and female squads at Antrim Forum when they picked bonus points from round two of the Ulster Basketball League.

The ladies team opened the day in Division 1 with a magnificent 34-12 win over Monaghan Kats. Demonstrating all their skills and movement, they overwhelmed the opposition and ended up deserved winners, thus setting up an interesting encounter with former team-mates, Antrim Borough SOC.

With several players suffering from the earlier game and the loss of Tori to illness, the team were unlucky against the more experienced and stronger Antrim players and fell to 16-8 loss.

The overall performance was magnificent and bodes well for the next round of games in March.

Joint players of the day were Megan and Rachel who displayed great courage and spirit in both games.

Ladies squad: Tori Campbell, Emma Clendinning, Michelle Coyne, Michelle Crawford, Orla McKervey, Rachel Breen, Megan Rooney

The male squad shook off the Christmas excesses with two terrific displays against Coleraine Cougars SOC and Monaghan Shooters SOC.

The game against the Coleraine Cougars is one to look back on with pride for the display of courage, character and team play displayed by the squad.

After taking an early lead over Cougars, things went astray in the second quarter when Cougars came back into the game and took a six point lead. With their backs to the wall, Shimna pulled out all the stops and showed tremendous teamwork to claw back the lead and run out winners by two points.

Such was the intensity of this game, the spectators were on the edge of their seats as the game swayed one way and then the other. Congratulations to both teams for a sporting game.

Shimna Stars 24 Coleraine Cougars 22.

The eagerly awaited rematch against Monaghan Shooters did not fully materialise as Shimna quickly got into their stride and outplayed Monaghan in every department.

Superb outside shooting by Niall Campbell and excellent support play by Kris Nicholl earned them both team player of the day. This was truly a squad performance and every member played a significant part in these victories.

With two wins and two bonus points gained the league table will now take on a different perspective when published. Final score: Shimna 40 Monaghan Shooters 6.

Male squad: Sean Brannigan, Niall Campbell, CJ Hennessy, Liam Hennessy, Patrick Hennessy, Rory McMullan, Niall Rogan, Aódhan McConnell, Kris Nicholl, Jamie Dinsdale, Glenn McBride.

Thanks to all who travelled and supported the teams. League day three is Saturday, March 28, at Foyle Arena.

The committee, athletes and members of Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club extend condolences to the family of Ernie Jones who passed away recently. Ernie was a founder member of Shimna Stars SOC and is fondly remembered by all who came in contact with him during his tenure with the club. To our friend Carol and the entire family circle we offer our deepest sympathy.

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