Oblate Dynamos laid down a marker this past Saturday in the National Intermediate Club Cup as they ran out 72-42 winners against Brunell in the Oblate Hall on Saturday, writes Ciaran O’Doherty.

The 30 point victory ensured Oblates place in the Quarter Finals of the NICC’s where they will come up against some strong opposition.

Oblates started off the strongest of the two sides scoring from both inside and out but their early foul trouble would see them keep Brunell in the game with 8 of the Cork sides 15 first quarter points coming at the end free-throw line.

The first quarter ended with Oblates leading by 4. (19-15)

The second quarter was a game changing one as Oblates came out of the blocks early using their strong defence to limit Brunell to only 5 second quarter points. The strong defence would aid Oblates going forward as they were able to push the ball fast and find easy scores from all players on the court.

A big three from Ciara White and inside scores from Sophie Doyle and Alison Keech would close out a strong second quarter for the Dublin side as they went in at half-time 16 points clear of Brunell. (36-20)

Brunell knew they would have to come out fighting in the third quarter and try to push Oblates to the limit and that they did playing a fast paced game and ending up on the free-throw line numerous times throughout the quarter. Emma Browne, Ciara Browne and Gemma O’Mahony all converting at the free-throw line to keep Brunell in the tie.

8 points from Claire Quinn Nealon would stem the tide however, as Oblates would not let go to their lead pushing on and finding themselves converting from the free-throw line. Oblates would hold on to win the quarter by 4 points and lead by 20 going into the final quarter of the match.

The Cork natives could not give one last push to try and upset the odds and get back into the game as Oblates managed the end game very well limiting Brunell to only 2 points.

Oblates would go onto slow the game down and run out comfortable 30 point winners in the end.

The next round of the NICC’s will take place on the weekend of the 24th/25th of November and Oblates will play the winners of St.Colmans and Glanmire Basketball Club to have a chance at getting to the semi-finals.