St Ailbe's advance to Munster basketball final

On Friday, March 31, the St Ailbe’s Under 19 boys’ team played their Munster semi-final game against St Michael’s from Kilmihil, Clare.

St Ailbe’s got off to a great start, showing a strong defensive effort, but also got some early scores that saw them open a 10-2 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The tide turned a little in the second quarter and saw St Michael’s really get off the mark, showing some great skill.

At this point St Ailbe’s found that scores were much harder to come by, with the half ending ending St Ailbe’s 13 to St Michael’s 10.

The third quarter saw both teams increase their intensity levels, making for a very exciting conclusion to the game, with the lead changing hands on several occasions.

Down by two points in the early stages of the final quarter, the Tipperary Town boys were cheered on by the large home support and they displayed great calmness under pressure.

St Ailbe’s pushed on and dug deep, putting pressure on the St Michael’s players to force turnovers and interceptions, when they really needed to get possession back.

This pressure created the gaps that helped to open up scoring chances and played no small part in securing the win.

At the finish the hosts were victorious on a scoreline of St Ailbe’s 32 - St Michael’s 27. A Munster final now waits for the boys on April 20 in Neptune Stadium, Cork.

Training continues each Tuesday after school and throughout the Easter holidays.