Tigers hunting for revenge as they head into Demons’ lair
Tigers, who stripped Demons of their cup title last season, suffered a Halloween nightmare last month as player/coach Eric Bush was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“Despite all that went wrong for us on the night we were right in the game until the last quarter,” coach Joe Quirke recalled. “But to lose by 31 points at home is humiliating. The guys came back and beat the other top team, Limerick, on the Monday afternoon and I think that was a great show of character.”
Tralee again meet Limerick tomorrow night and will debut Australian import, Luke Egan, after releasing one of their Americans, David Walker. Egan, a 6’7’’ centre from Melbourne has played in the US, Asia and China.
The return of Micheál Quirke has been a big boost to the Cup champions. His Kerry football colleague Kieran Donaghy has been in spectacular form and the competition is still in its infancy.
“Maybe you can pick out the teams that will be in the final shake-up but it is difficult,” Joe Quirke said. “The teams from the Southern Conference have beaten the teams from the Northern Conference which indicates that the strength is down here.”
UCC Demons have not lost a game in the SuperLeague although Limerick surprised them in the Cup first round. Coach Pat Price has a spectacular bench at his disposal featuring Michael Plichta, while Colin O’Reilly, David Murphy and Tim O’Halloran continue to be the game-breakers, most recently outscoring Ballina’s subs 37-2. Niall O’Reilly missed last weekend’s trip to Ballina with a back injury and is doubtful. He may target the Cup game against Neptune for a return.
Roma St Vincent’s play in a local derby with Shamrock Rovers Hoops at Glasnevin tonight at 8pm. Hoops are 2-1 in the league to date and have signed yet another player, with student Dave Barry added to their roster.
MDS Star will be looking for their first win in the SuperLeague when they host UCD. They’ve lost two tight matches and brought Neptune to overtime last weekend.
Cork fans will be spoilt for choice with Neptune hosting Gleneagle Lakers on Sunday after their win against MDS Star last weekend.
Although Dajan Smith is back, he is not yet fully fit. Bosman Adam Piszczuk, however, has been a revelation for the Cork side. He picked up a game high 35 points last week. Coach Ozell Wells will be hoping to get captain Stephen McCarthy and Smith fit.
Gleneagle Lakers recorded their second consecutive win of the season last weekend against DART Killester with Americans Justin Wingward and Kevin Coggins in superb form.
The second round National Cup clash between Merry Monk Ballina and Roma St Vincent’s has also been scheduled for Sunday - Vincent’s second game of the weekend.
: UCC Demons v Abrakebabra Tigers, Mardyke Arena, 8.15 pm; Roma St. Vincent’s v Shamrock Hoops, Glasnevin, 8pm.
: MDS Star v UCD, Jordanstown, 7.15 p.m.; Limerick Lions v Abrakebabra Tigers, UL, 7.30 p.m.
: Neptune v Gleneagle Lakers, Neptune Stadium, 3.15 pm
: Merry Monk Ballina v Roma St. Vincent’s, Ballina SC, 4pm.
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