Tigers will tread warily in fight for survival at Neptune
They must turn around the result of a couple of weeks ago to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Gleneagle Laker are also bidding for a play-off place - and will be hoping for a repeat of their Mardyke win when they host UCC Demons tomorrow night.
Victory for both Kerry clubs would set up a thrilling derby game at the Tralee Sports Complex next Wednesday night.
Three weeks ago, Neptune pulled off a shock victory over the Tralee side at Neptune Stadium, so the Tigers will tread warily tonight.
“That was a game we expected to win but we did not play well enough on the night,” said player/coach Luke O’Hea, as he reflected on their only loss in the last four games.
While the result went against them at the Mardyke, a week ago, Neptune showed flashes of brilliance against the Demons.
Ger Noonan, who has been putting the pieces together under coach Michael Evans, had his best game of the season, while Michael McGinn, driving from the back, was a revelation.
Stephen McCarthy stepped in and out to impact at critical stages before Neptune were overwhelmed by Demons’ sheer depth of talent.
“We just ran out of steam against Demons,” said Evans, “The minute our defence fell in the second half they took over.”
Looking forward to tonight’s game, he said: “This is a huge game for Tigers but it is a big game for us too, and I think we can give it a good go. Tigers don’t have the same depth as Demons, but they have a very good first five.
“The last time we played them we had a bit of the advantage on the bench but we have to close down people because if we allow Luke O’Hea to shoot threes he is going to murder us.”
Defending champions UCC Demons, raging hot favourites for the double, have their semi-final place well and truly secured. There is a certain air of excitement, however, about their trip to Killarney to play Lakers.
When Killarney travelled to Cork, a few weeks ago, they made up a 37 point deficit to pull off the sensation of the season.
Defending champions, UL Aughinish host arch rivals DART Killester in the first of the Women’s SuperLeague quarter finals - after an emphatic victory over the Dubliners in the Cup final.
Mustang Sally’s St. Paul’s, meanwhile, travel to Waterford to play Bausch & Lomb Wildcats, who have been unbeatable at home this season.
They beat the Killarney side at Mercy Convent, in October, but Sally’s reversed that result, two weeks ago, to set up another enthralling clash.
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