BASKETBALL:ST PAUL'S inflicted further woe on Tralee Imperials when they overcame their Kingdom rivals 51-36 to claim the Basketball Ireland senior women's National Cup on Saturday night.

It was cruel on the Tralee club, who suffered defeats in all three of their National Cup final appearances on Saturday.

Sinead Mackessy registered the first four points for Tralee Imperials but Lynn Jones got St Paul’s on the scoreboard with a baseline jump shot. Tralee’s Emma Gallagher added to her side’s good start with a three. The Imperials raced to a 10-2 lead and 16-5 at the end of the first quarter.

St Paul’s were desperate to bounce back and signalled their intent with Catriona O’Connell converting five points in quick succession. After four minutes of play, St Paul’s had fought back to just five points in arrears and they were within three points of their rivals by half-time (24-21).

The revival was complete when St Paul’s edged in front courtesy of Muiriosa Galwey, but the sides finished the third quarter on level terms (34-34).

A jump shot off the glass signalled the first score of the final quarter in favour of St Paul’s, and they soon extended their advantage to 40-36. A tense closing saw Lynn Jones strike a huge three to extend St Paul’s advantage, and Imperials found no way back.

Dublin Thunder claimed the senior men’s National Cup on Friday evening as they earned an 87-45 win over UCD Marian.

Derrick Courtney played a huge part, with a double double which made Thunder’s inside presence count. Gary Edge was to the fore with three threes helping UCD to an 11-3 lead early on. Thunder took the lead for the first time before a three on the buzzer from former Killester star Michael Goj for a 23-17 lead for Dave Baker’s side.

Thunder quickly established a 12-point lead in the second quarter. UCD had it all to do after the interval, trailing 48-22. A three from the impressive Courtney saw Thunder lead 71-37 at the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter was a formality as Thunder stormed to an 87-45 win.