England outpace Ireland in the heat

A good start by England was undone in the middle of the first period after a series of missed catches. Ireland took advantage by picking up the loose and putting a 6-0 run to edge in front (11-9). Then England tied the game through the free throw line but still trailed at the end of the first period (13:11).

England started the second period with more purpose and quickly regained the lead and with the offensive systems working they switched to a defensive zone keeping Ireland out of the paint and forcing them to work from the perimeter with little success. Karen Burton switched systems once again and England started to work from the outside and opened up a gap of 18 points (20-38) before relaxing a little at the end to allow Ireland a basket.

The pace dropped at the start of the third period with both sides suffering in the heat and then Ireland had the better of the play by their physical approach making England’s advantage dropped as the England players were unsettled. Ireland continued with a half court press and reduced their deficit to 8 points before England went back to zone and weathered the storm to go into the final period with a 10-point lead.

With the 3rd period out of their system and a few words by the coach, England quickly regained their composure by speeding up the game and to neutralise Ireland’s physical game and hence extended their advantage to 15 points (41-56). The conditions in the hall really made things difficult for both teams as the ball just would not stick in anyone’s hand for long. So the game became rather messy (typical England – Ireland intensity). Karen Burton quickly put things in order and England started working from the perimeter with some clinical clutch shoot to finish the match with a flourish (66-48).

Full statistics are available at here

Coaches comments:

Joe Shields (Ireland): We are a little bit disappointed, we thought that we had prepared better, England were stronger, they dominated the boards, we did not get into it we just could not get going. The heat is tremendous, I do not know if this place is air-conditioned but is very hot

Karen Burton (England): It was a good game to start with, we started out slow , came out better in the second quarter, told the girls not to be complacent at halftime which they completely ignored and came out and were but we proved we can withstand pressure and they came out it in the end and it was a good win.