Munster clubs lie in wait for title-chasing Star

WITH the cup quarter-final commitments out of the way, Sx3 Star turn to the ESB SuperLeague this weekend when they face an interesting visit to Munster for back-to-back games against Burger King tomorrow night and a rejuvenated Gleneagle Lakers on Sunday afternoon.

Up to this week it might look like easy pickings for the Belfast side, who are four points behind Neptune with two games in hand.

But Burger King coach Tom Hehir has renewed connections with their former Foreign Player of the Year, Cleotis Brown, and Lakers are doing handstands for new coach Mark Scannell.

Both coaches can’t wait to get their hands on Danny Fulton’s side who are eyeing the double this season.

“It would be a huge scalp for us if we could claim it,” Mark Scannell said. “Star are a very strong and very balanced side. John Leahy is also a good buddy of mine and while he is an Irish player he is as good as any American we have seen.

“I know it won’t easy on Sunday afternoon but everyone is pretty excited about it. Everyone is training very hard and they are all fit.”

Scannell introduced Tyrone Levets to the side and he has brought in a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

“At the end of the day it is all down to the players. Our Americans have really knuckled down to it and our Irish players are responding. Vince Daly has come back to his best and Ger Noon and Shane Horgan are doing the business every week. Brian Clarke is doing fine and we have a new young fellow, John Griffin, who has come good in the last few games. It is all very positive,” he said.

Last season Cleotis Brown played a big part in winning the cup for Burger King and now coach Tom Hehir is hoping that his return this weekend just in time for the visit of Sx3 Star will be a big turning point.

“I am trying to get some consistency into the side,” he said. “We lost too many players at the end of last season and when that happens it is difficult to get consistency. You go out there every week and you learn something new about a guy. You need to know their weaknesses and their strengths. I mean last season I had guys who had been with me for three years.”

Cleotis Brown, one of the finest Americans to come over here, is a versatile player who will open up the options.

“Up to now the Irish guys have not been getting to play as much as I would have liked them to. Now I will be able to rotate more and get more Irish fellows on the floor. Cleotis is a great player. He knows what it is to win and he always wants to win. I am hoping he will bring consistency into the side,” said Hehir.

“Star will be a good test. I saw them play against Neptune and they are a fine side. But we are not too far away now and if we can put our best foot forward we could cause an upset.”

Tralee continue to battle with injuries ahead of their game with Irish Travel Partner Saints on Sunday. Their latest casualty is Barnaby Craddock who is struggling with his back and hip while John Teahan has not trained for a month with his back and Alan Keane is out with a chest injury.

Waterford Crystal will be releasing Luke Dean this weekend and continuing the season with Larry Florence and Derrick Lyons. Padraig Morrissey will be missing for their visit to the Mardyke Arena in Cork to play UCC Demons tonight (8.15pm).

Demons are riding high following their cup quarter-final win last weekend but Brian Clernon is nursing a hamstring injury.