Loftus Recycling 62
Waterford 49
Team Loftus Recycling, Ballina, secured their place in National League Division One play-offs when they recorded a 13-point win over Waterford in Waterford IT Sports Complex on Saturday night. Despite the long journey and having to travel without several regulars, including Paul Barrett, Taofic Mustapha, and Willie Poplewell, the Ballina side put in an excellent performance to take the points. It was again a case of “the old dog for the hard road” as Ballina player coach Liam McHale put in a huge game hitting a game high of 30 points.
McHale was ably assisted by Peter Papic who continued his return to previous form with a 17-point contribution, the experienced Mark Cunningham who grabbed some great rebounds at both ends of the court, and Brian O’Malley who controlled the point well throughout despite his lack of match practice. This game also saw two of Ballina’s young guns come into their own with solid performances from Colin O’Malley and Neil McHale. The latter revealed shades of his father, Sean’s playing days for Ballina as he put his body on the line to good effect on several occasions, while O’Malley landed a great basket from the corner of the court as well as playing his part throughout the game.
Loftus Recycling started well with Cunningham and McHale getting the early baskets and they led by four points at the end of the first period (16-12 ), The second quarter, however, was won by the home team with Antranas Tolusis hitting 11 of his side’s 22 points to put Waterford ahead by six points at half-time (34-28 ). However Ballina put in a huge defensive effort in the third period and they held the home side to just six points while hitting 18 themselves at the other end to restore a six point lead at the three-quarter stage. Loftus Recycling added a further 16 points in the final quarter while Waterford could only add nine to their tally thanks the to excellent defence by the visitors.
Loftus Recycling: Peter Papic (187 ), Neil MacHale, Brian O’Malley (7 ), Mark Cunningham (6 ), Liam McHale (30 ), Colin O’Malley (2 ).
Loftus Recycling play at home next weekend when they take on newly crowned Senior cup champions, St Mary’s, Casteleisland, in Ballina Sports and Leisure Centre at 7.30pm on Saturday. Meanwhile they have a mid week game in Dublin on Wednesday night when they face Tolka Rovers in game that was postponed earlier in the season due to adverse weather conditions.
