Wed 11th May - League update from Special Olympics Ulster:
NorthWest A - 19
Shimna Stars - 15
Coleraine Cougars - 9
With final round of fixtures to be played July 2nd.
Round 3 - Antrim Forum
Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club assured themselves runners-up spot in the 2016 Special Olympics Ulster Basketball League with one round of games to go.
Facing a very determined NorthWest team and management Shimna were on the back foot from the start of this important fixture. Several missed opportunities for easy scores and poor pass selection ensured that Shimna were always chasing a much focused NorthWest team. Despite the pressure Shimna were able to contain NorthWest and held them scoreless in the 3rd quarter. Sound defensive work by both teams meant scores were hard to get and resulted in NorthWest holding on to their early lead and unbeaten record as League Champions elect.
Score: NorthWest 22 – Shimna Stars 4
Game 2 saw Shimna Stars take on the much improved Coleraine Cougars. Once again a slow start almost cost Shimna Stars dearly, when they trailed by 3 points at the end of the 1st quarter. Words of encouragement from Coaches John and Laurence saw Shimna now settled and playing to their potential. Shimna went on to win each of the remaining quarters and gain a much need bonus point.
Congratulations to the squad for their efforts this season. They can now look forward to a relaxing finals day.
Squad: Glenn McBride, Sean Brannigan, CJ Hennessy, Niall Rogan, Liam Hennessy, Peter Watts, Patrick Hennessey, David McCrum
Score: Coleraine Cougars 11 – Shimna Stars 23
The final round of fixtures will take place in Antrim Forum on Saturday 2nd July and will incorporate a skills day for all Special Olympics Athletes who participate in Basketball.
Best wishes to Glenn and Niall who head off to Geneva with Football Clubs United for the annual soccer tournament.
Club athlete David McCrum had the opportunity recently to attend a Harlem Globetrotters game. David enjoyed the experience and managed to get a number of autographs from the star players.
Ulster League 2016 - Update
Latest league standings issued by Special Olympics Ulster show still all to play for this season, after two rounds played:
NorthWest SOC - 12
Shimna Stars SOC -10
Coleraine Cougars SOC - 6
Next round of fixtures : Saturday 7th May.
Round 2 March 5th
Stars Light -up Antrim Forum
Shimna Stars Special Olympics Club continued their strive for League Honours in 2016 with another outstanding display of grit, determination and skill on Saturday past when they gained another win and bonus point against Coleraine Cougars SOC but fell by the narrowest of margins to League leaders NorthWest Special Olympics Club.
After the morning session where both Shimna and NorthWest had inflicted defeats on Coleraine, the final game of the day was always going to be a showdown. Indeed such was the intensity that NorthWest despite being punished for failing to be on court at the appointed time were forced to chase the game for long periods before gaining the upper hand with a free throw to win the game with only seconds on the clock. There was relief all-round for the NorthWest management team who barely maintained their unbeaten record.
Once again Shimna Stars will take a lot from both games and hope that the minor errors will be eradicated for future fixtures.
Final Score: NorthWest SOC 15 – Shimna Stars SOC 14
This was an excellent day out for the all the Shimna Stars squad with debutant Joseph Crawford showing what can be achieved with practice and effort. Shimna Stars look forward to the next round of games in May.
Squad: Glenn McBride, Sean Brannigan, CJ Hennessy, Niall Rogan, Liam Hennessy, Peter Watts, Patrick Hennessey, Joseph Crawford, David McCrum
Next up for Shimna is their attendance at the St.Patrick’s Day Parade in Armagh followed by a coaching session with Joanne Fitzpatrick and the Peace Players on Saturday 19th March. All club athletes and volunteers are invited to attend the session.
Happy with their days work Shimna Stars SOC Squad: Photo: Left – Right
Liam Hennessy, Peter Watts, Joseph Crawford, Sean Brannigan, Glenn McBride, Niall Rogan, Patrick Hennessey, David McCrum missing from photo CJ Hennessy
Club Manager Danny: Keeping the squad cool after a strenuous day!!!!!!!!!!!