Sparkling finish is decisive for U-16s

BLACKWATER STEELERS 39 DROGHEDA SPARKS 43

AN impressive fourth-quarter performance from Sparks U-16s saw them claim the three league points in a nail-biting finish away in Monaghan last weekend.

The Drogheda girls got into their stride early, with scores from Ava Pendergast and Ciara Ni Criosta pushing the visitors out to an early 18-7 lead.

Steelers closed the gap somewhat by the half-time break, but at that stage it was still Sparks who had the upper hand, leading 23-16.

The home team continued their comeback into the third quarter and narrowed Sparks’ advantage to a single point before overtaking the Drogheda team to lead 34-32.

Going into the final quarter Sparks trailed by six points, but strong games from Nikola Busa and Prendergast, along with impressive team defence, saw them turn it around to go 38-34 ahead with time running out.

Steelers came back again to tie the game with 76 seconds left, but Abby Rice held her nerve to convert two from the free throw line and a left-handed scoop shot from Kate Kelly secured the win after a fine team effort from Sparks.

They host Dunshauglin this coming Saturday with a 4pm tipoff in the Sacred Heart School, the first of four remaining games as they step up their bid to make the top-four play-offs in late March.