Basketball: Magherafelt win in ‘Titan-ic’ struggle against Tyrone Towers of Dungannon

Magherafelt Titans were crowned Northern Ireland Basketball Under 18B winners at the weekend seeing off Dungannon side the Tyrone Towers in the final.
Action from the Magherafelt Titans- Tyrone Towers Under 18 basketball decider at the Antrim ForumAction from the Magherafelt Titans- Tyrone Towers Under 18 basketball decider at the Antrim Forum
Action from the Magherafelt Titans- Tyrone Towers Under 18 basketball decider at the Antrim Forum

The Titans, led brilliantly by captain Jonathan Bowman and Darren O’Neill, both of whom contributed 16 points to their tally, overcame the Tyrone boys on a 44-40 scoreline.

The game, played at the Antrim Forum on Sunday afternoon, was always a close encounter with the sides level at the break before a massive third quarter effort from Magherafelt proved decisive.

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A three pointer from Jonathan Bowman and a basket from Darren Toner made sure the Titans were just two adrift at the end of the first quarter and with the Magherafelt team’s defence proving solid.

Shane McToal and Darren Toner await the rebound as the Magherafelt Titans Under 18s claimed the Northern Ireland Basketball Under 18 titleShane McToal and Darren Toner await the rebound as the Magherafelt Titans Under 18s claimed the Northern Ireland Basketball Under 18 title
Shane McToal and Darren Toner await the rebound as the Magherafelt Titans Under 18s claimed the Northern Ireland Basketball Under 18 title

Shane McToal and Toner added to the Titan’s total but it took a Fearghal McNabb free throw shortly before half time to send the teams in level at the break.

Team captain, Bowman was leading by example and he helped the Titans into a fast third quarter start, scoring seven points in the opening minutes, a lay up and then a three pointer, followed by another basket. By the end of the quarter the South Derry side had established a 10 point lead.

Try as the Towers might they just couldn’t peg back the Titans lead as they held on for a four point win.

Magherafelt Titans team: Jonathan Bowman, Finn O’Neill, Fearghal McNabb, Darren Toner, Dominic Quinn, Shane McToal, Niall McCauley, Rory McGurk.