It was pure heroism from Lehmon Colbert as UCC Demons ran with Templeogue for most of their Irish cup semi-final but time was eventually called on the Cork club’s chances as the reigning league champions put their foot down in the final frame. Emmet Ryan reports on getting old
When you are used to being the king in the not so distant past, when your empire was the envy of all around you but three years ago, when those who sought to end you always learned the error of their ways, it’s tough to accept the fall of a dynasty. Templeogue rocked into the Mardyke, the home gym of UCC Demons, looking to put an end to the mythos that surrounded the recent rulers of the sport here.
The faces were familiar for Demons but they were older and there were fewer of them. This was not the side that rolled over all comers. The bodies weren’t what they were but, for the guts of one night, this club would prove the spirits still were.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
After the high octane clash between UCD Marian and Killester, the second semi final was meant to be a much slower affair. UCC Demons, with a shallow and aging roster, had talent but not the bodies to play a track meet. Surprisingly enough Demons were happy to run hard early but this played into the hands of Templeogue’s speedy starting line-up. Demons were living with them through the middle of the first quarter before a couple of possessions gave them pause for thought.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
While Demons had to lean hard on Lehmon Colbert for offence, the big man had 13 of his side’s 24 first quarter points, Templeogue were able to spread the load. Puff Summers and Michael Bonaparte played the tandem as designated import players, an oddity considering how long both have lived in Ireland, and combined for 10 points, 2 boards, and 2 assists in the same spell while Lorcan Murphy matched Colbert’s scoring spree of 13 with far less work required. After 10 minutes they led 28-24 but appeared to have far more in the tank than their foes.
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It’s only three years since Demons did it all. A perfect season, the only one ever in Irish basketball, as they won every game en route to collecting all three trophies. Back then they had all the depth, with a bench the envy of the nation. Now, having endured a trophyless season while Templeogue lifted the league title, they were on their home floor with only 9 players dressed and far few options that could make a meaningful impact.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Templeogue kept Bonaparte in as they eased further out. The old guard of Colbert and Colin O’Reilly were fighting hard while Kyle Hosford was doing all he could to prevent his side getting in too deep a hole. Father Time is undefeated but you can at least hold him off for a while.
This wasn’t just a bunch of kids on the floor for Templeogue however. The blend of slick young talent and veterans like Summers, Bonaparte, and Jason Killeen gave them the steel to not worry about getting physically bullied on the floor. Efficiency however was something they needed to be concerned with as some sloppy offence kept the Dublin side from creating a real gulf.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
O’Reilly and Colbert saw an opening and reeled in Templeogue. This old hound wasn’t going down meekly. Back came the speed of Summers and Neil Randolph, brother of Ireland football goalkeeper Darren, to bring the speed back. O’Reilly meanwhile landed hard from what looked at most incidental contact. The grey hair makes O’Reilly look older than he is but there are a lot of miles on the clock.
That little bit more gas would have been good enough for Templeogue to hold a serious lead at the break save for Colbert’s heroics which ensured Demons only trailed by the minimum at half-time.
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Father Time was clearly having a nap as Demons once more came out with all the hot fire to start the third before a Lorcan Murphy dunk got the crowd going. Despite being in UCC’s Mardyke arena, this felt like a road game for Demons, the sea of red in the middle was making all the noise.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
This was a vintage display from Colbert, using all of his smarts to dominate in the paint in much the same way he had owned the 2015 cup final over UCD Marian. He was a one-man army out there but Templeogue woke up fast in the middle of the third.
A three from Randolph pushed the lead back to 7 and Demons were relying on some prayers. Enough were being answered to keep them in it despite losing their spark. Colbert moved to 27 points for the night by the end of the third, with 8 boards and 4 assists to boot as Demons trailed 64-62.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
As the fourth pressed on it was Templeogue unloarding on Demons. The Cork club was still getting all Colbert and Adrian O’Sullivan could give them but the red and whites had so many options. The lead grew to 11 out of nowhere as Templeogue clamped down on defence.
The odd flurries still came from Demons but Templeogue were running like they had just got going. The desire to fight remained for Demons but the capacity to deliver was gone. Templeogue advance.
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