Tigers tread cautiously ahead of Neptune clash

DESPITE a 14-point victory over Neptune in the SuperLeague on Wednesday, Tigers Tralee coach Rus Bradburd is cautious ahead of tomorrow’s ESB National Cup re-match.

"There is no guarantee the result will be the same," "There is no guarantee the result will be the same," It was exciting but then it was always going to be that way. I tell our guys Neptune are the champions. They have been champions a long time and they will remain champions until next March.

"I have the utmost respect for guys like Stephen McCarthy and Gordon Fitzgerald and on Wednesday it was a close game right up to the last quarter. John Teehan shot five for five and he was not the only one. We shot over 50% within the two point range so the shots were falling for us while our defence was not really all that good."

With a perfect record after eight games, talk of a double for the Tralee men is understandable.

But Bradburd warned: "I don't think we are playing as good as we can. I don't think we have the best five in Ireland but we have the best 10 and I am gambling on that.

"Last night, in the first-half I had played all 10. I was worried the players might not buy into this, but they have for the good of the team. I mean John Teehan is playing less than he has ever played, but they do it for the benefit of the team."

But he won't be taking Neptune for granted, pointing out complacency could be disastrous. Neptune coach Gerry Fitzpatrick will have an anxious wait as Dave Langrell and Kenny Gamble battle flu. On Wednesday night, Gamble hit 17 points but Langrell, who has been a revelation under the boards, failed to make the score sheet. "I would not be prepared to gamble on the same result on Saturday night," Tim O'Brien insisted. "The cup is the cup; everything goes out the window. "We have some positives this season with Gordon Fitzgerald and Stephen McCarthy playing very well, and younger players Marcus Walley and Mick McGinn making a big impact. McGinn took a while to adapt to the SuperLeague but he still managed 10 points again on Wednesday night."

Dart Killester also hammered Hibernian UCD Marian 23 points midweek and Mark Ingle will be hoping for a repeat. Killester released Tony Atchison for that clash and Ingle introduced Keith Friel, who shot 28 points, and they are all set to challenge for the trophies this season.

Gleneagle Lakers host Shamrock Rovers at the INEC on Sunday afternoon. Last time around Lakers were victorious and, after their convincing win over Mardyke UCC Demons earlier this week, fans will be expecting the same again. Dejan Smith has a hamstring injury but Ger Noonan has a more serious calf injury that could keep him out. Mardyke UCC Demons are the defending champions and they can get back on the winning trail against Queens at The Mardyke Arena on Sunday.