IRELAND'S 91-90 defeat in over-time against Belgium in the Speurkeess Cup in Luxembourg on Saturday took its toll on Enda Byrt's tired squad who never lifted their game sufficiently in the final match against Austria yesterday which they lost 96-69.

The Austrians led from the start and were 10 points ahead by the end of the first quarter. When the interval came, the gap had grown to 19 points (51-32). Ireland did narrow the deficit to 12 points with five minutes to go, but the effort involved left them exhausted and Austria won with ease.

The defeat by Belgium on Saturday was heart-breaking for the Irish as they led 90-89 with five seconds remaining and with possession in hand. However, the ball was stolen from Donnelly and in their efforts to reclaim it, Ireland were penalised, giving Belgium two free throws that they duly converted for victory.

Meanwhile in Copenhagen, Ireland's junior women's team won both of their weekend matches in the Polar Cup - against Denmark on Saturday, 49-43 and Iceland yesterday, 80-40.

Ireland's Susan Moran, from Tullamore, earned the distinction of being one of just five players selected for the All Star team at the tournament.

There was just one match in the Budweiser National League over the weekend. Neptune reclaimed top position in the table with a 101-81 victory over Sligo in Cork on Saturday night.