Tough call for Nugent as Neptune reach for Star
In just over a week he has introduced two new players to the scene. Neptune signed Davenna Hines after releasing Kenny Gamble and were forced to bring Ronnie Clarke across the county bounds when Charron Watson picked up a nasty ankle injury.
Both newcomers have been excellent in their two games to date - Neptune winning against Demons and on Wednesday night against Gleneagle Lakers - but Watson is ready to reclaim his place and makes no secret of the fact that he wants a piece of the action.
“It is a hard one to call,” admitted Nugent yesterday.
“Charron is still on physio for the ankle and, with a very important cup tie coming up against Demons the weekend after next, I would like to have him fully fit. He could play this weekend but I suppose we are in the happy situation that, if need be, we can give him another week.”
With pressure games against Mardyke UCC Demons and Gleneagle Lakers out of the way, the side is more relaxed, according to the coach.
“They were pressure situations,” he admitted. “Outside of other issues we needed the points and we got them. I think the fact that the pressure has eased was reflected against Lakers. Everyone was more relaxed and players like Marcus Walley were playing their own game. This was Walley’s best game of the season and he will continue to press on from here.
“It is important that you have your Irish players playing well. Michael McGinn was outstanding. He has the heart of a lion and is a pleasure to coach. You always know he is going to give you his best and that bit more.
“But our Irish players are all up around 10 or 12 points and that’s what you need - Michael McGinn, Stephen McCarthy and Marcus Walley. We have a huge assignment on Saturday. We have a long trip and Star are playing very well at the moment. It will be great if we can keep the run going. That would be a big one to win.”
Neptune will be without Gordon Fitzgerald again and Star are oozing confidence right now. They had a big win over Merry Monk Ballina last time around as Bryce Burch and JoJo Chambers ran riot.
Elsewhere, DART Killester, are on a winning streak right now and, after Wednesday night’s game against Hoops, entertain Waterford Crystal tomorrow. Michael Evans’ side have the ability to cause an upset.
Michael Parker pleased Limerick coach Tom Hehir on his debut last week and the Lions have a busy weekend. They lost narrowly to Tigers last weekend and tomorrow night they meet Gleneagle Lakers before travelling to Dublin to play UCD on Sunday.
Recent events will put Mardyke UCC Demons under extra pressure when they entertain unbeaten champions Abrakebabra Tigers, in the Mardyke Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Coach Pat Price must be wondering what is happening because the players have the talent but have been having difficulty producing it this season.
“We are going to have to play very well to overcome Tralee,” Price admitted.
“They have talent in every position and they are playing with such confidence right now. We must rebound well and take our shots if we are to give ourselves a fair chance in what is going to be a very vital game for us.”
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