League Champions!!!
For the neutral the league campaign had been very interesting, it had come down to the last day of the season. The Limerick Scorpions and the Swifts Left Bank had been neck and neck as they both set out to be triumphant league champions. Prior to the final set of fixtures Scorpions and Swifts had played in the University of Limerick Arena two weeks prior, both teams of course knowing that the winner of the game would have the upper hand for the title. The Scorpions prevailed that night with a score line of 61-36 in a highly entertaining game. This allowed the Scorpions to head into their last game against the Dundalk Ravens knowing if they were to win a league trophy would be theirs.
Player/Coach Joe Hargrow went with a starting five of Ashling Duhig, John Enright, Stephen Heffernan, Joe Hargrow and Seamus Riordan. The Scorpions had taken a 7 point lead early in the first quarter. Scorpions continued to take away shots from the Ravens with a strong high line defence. That first quarter had ended 19 to 8 in the favour of Scorpions.
The second quarter was a closer affair with the teams trading baskets. Joe Hargrow was beginning to get his outside shot to drop and John Enright along with Stephen Heffernan and Ashling Duhig had been infiltrating the paint successfully. Dundalk Ravens were also getting into the game now with Robert Hurr making some impressive shots from the elbow. Seamus Riordan picked up a third foul in the second quarter and a substitution was used by the Scorpions. James McCarthy was introduced into the game straight away making an impact with an assist for Ashling Duhig with her 13th point of the game, she would finish with a game high double double of 24 points and 12 rebounds with the half ending 31-16 Scorpions.
After the break Tiarnan O'Donnell had been introduced to the game pairing up with Stephen Heffernan on defence with the Scorpions allowing only 10 points to be scored by the Ravens in that quarter. The Scorpions ended the third with a 19 point lead. As the fourth commenced Scorpions went on a full court press for several possessions. Dundalk Ravens scored a couple of fast break baskets, but the Scorpions tightened up the press and began to get turnovers. Luke Riordan and Seamus Long were introduced to the game with the Scorpions returning to high defence and looking to see out the game. As the final buzzer went off a rapturous applause enveloped the hall as the Limerick Scorpions had won the game by a margin of 61 to 38 and the IWA National Wheelchair Basketball League for the first time in the clubs very short two year history.
Seamus Riordan, as captain, of the Limerick Scorpions received the trophy on behalf of the team. All the team members were introduced to receive their medals. Congratulations Scorpions!!
24th May 2015
For full stats of this game click Here
Player/Coach Joe Hargrow went with a starting five of Ashling Duhig, John Enright, Stephen Heffernan, Joe Hargrow and Seamus Riordan. The Scorpions had taken a 7 point lead early in the first quarter. Scorpions continued to take away shots from the Ravens with a strong high line defence. That first quarter had ended 19 to 8 in the favour of Scorpions.
The second quarter was a closer affair with the teams trading baskets. Joe Hargrow was beginning to get his outside shot to drop and John Enright along with Stephen Heffernan and Ashling Duhig had been infiltrating the paint successfully. Dundalk Ravens were also getting into the game now with Robert Hurr making some impressive shots from the elbow. Seamus Riordan picked up a third foul in the second quarter and a substitution was used by the Scorpions. James McCarthy was introduced into the game straight away making an impact with an assist for Ashling Duhig with her 13th point of the game, she would finish with a game high double double of 24 points and 12 rebounds with the half ending 31-16 Scorpions.
After the break Tiarnan O'Donnell had been introduced to the game pairing up with Stephen Heffernan on defence with the Scorpions allowing only 10 points to be scored by the Ravens in that quarter. The Scorpions ended the third with a 19 point lead. As the fourth commenced Scorpions went on a full court press for several possessions. Dundalk Ravens scored a couple of fast break baskets, but the Scorpions tightened up the press and began to get turnovers. Luke Riordan and Seamus Long were introduced to the game with the Scorpions returning to high defence and looking to see out the game. As the final buzzer went off a rapturous applause enveloped the hall as the Limerick Scorpions had won the game by a margin of 61 to 38 and the IWA National Wheelchair Basketball League for the first time in the clubs very short two year history.
Seamus Riordan, as captain, of the Limerick Scorpions received the trophy on behalf of the team. All the team members were introduced to receive their medals. Congratulations Scorpions!!
24th May 2015
For full stats of this game click Here
Awards in Abundance
The Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown was the setting for the end of season awards presentation organised by the Irish Wheelchair Association. The presentation entailed an All Star award per team. These were decided by a voting process amongst the players in the league. The other awards consisted of a Male Player of the Year, Female Player of the Year, Able Bodied Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year and a Sportsmanship Award.
The Limerick Scorpions were represented extremely well at the awards. With the Scorpions All Star award being presented to Joe Hargrow. This was not the only time Joe had to go up and receive an award that night as he was deservedly also named the Male Player of the Year. Finishing the year with a 51.6% field goal percentage, over 5 assists per game and over 15 points on average per game. Include into that an immense effort throughout the year and you cannot argue the decision of Joe Hargrow being named Male Player of the Year.
The Scorpions were not finished there. For the second year running Ashling Duhig received the Female Player of the Year Award. Her high intensity on defence alone would allow for her to deserve the award but when you add in a 46.4% field goal percentage this year and over 15 points a game with several double doubles. You can only say she not only deserved the award but earned it.
This was the second year in a row, in a two year history of the club, that the Scorpions came away with 3 awards. Long may that tradition continue. A massive congratulations to Joe and Ashling from all at the Scorpions.
24th May 2015
The Limerick Scorpions were represented extremely well at the awards. With the Scorpions All Star award being presented to Joe Hargrow. This was not the only time Joe had to go up and receive an award that night as he was deservedly also named the Male Player of the Year. Finishing the year with a 51.6% field goal percentage, over 5 assists per game and over 15 points on average per game. Include into that an immense effort throughout the year and you cannot argue the decision of Joe Hargrow being named Male Player of the Year.
The Scorpions were not finished there. For the second year running Ashling Duhig received the Female Player of the Year Award. Her high intensity on defence alone would allow for her to deserve the award but when you add in a 46.4% field goal percentage this year and over 15 points a game with several double doubles. You can only say she not only deserved the award but earned it.
This was the second year in a row, in a two year history of the club, that the Scorpions came away with 3 awards. Long may that tradition continue. A massive congratulations to Joe and Ashling from all at the Scorpions.
24th May 2015