Neptune advantage in crunch derby game against Demons
The most important game should be the derby clash between Neptune and UCC Demons in Neptune Stadium tomorrow night.
They met twice this season and each time Sasa Punosevac engineered Neptune victories. In the event of a tie come play-off time, Neptune would have the advantage.
Demons have come on in leaps and bounds since their cup final defeat and right now they have a spring in their step: “It is nice to be in the groove in mid-February,” Pat Price admitted.
“Right now we are playing good basketball and the guys, through their efforts and focus, are showing me their intentions.”
Struggling with an endless string of injuries throughout the first half of the season, Demons suffered a lot of narrow losses.
Price added: “We are a different team right now thanks to LeShon Sheffield who has given us a new dimension in terms of balance and effort.
“We need to win at least two games to be sure of qualification but I would prefer if we win all our games. We want to be in control of our fate and not be depending on results elsewhere to get us through.”
Reigning champions St Vincent’s are third in the Northern Conference table and face an enormous task against rejuvenated Star in their bid to consolidate their position tomorrow night.
Star then turn to face Merry Monk Ballina. Ballina, who will also have dual star Ronan McGarrity back from injury, have Hoops tomorrow night.
Abrakebabra Tigers will be hoping to maintain top position in the Southern Conference when they play Limerick Lions at the UL Arena tomorrow night.
After the euphoria of January and the cup final, Tigers have been struggling without the services of Micheál Quirke and Kieran Donaghy and Dave Falvey will have to address that situation.
In the women’s SuperLeague, UL Aughinish play DCU on Sunday in what could be the league decider with both on level points unless Meteors cause a major upset tomorrow evening at UL Arena when they play the former champions.
UL Coach, Jim Nugent, is not taking Meteors lightly, identifying Leah Truncale as the big threat.
“Leah (Truncale) has been one of the most difficult players to mark,” he said. “That’s because of her work rate and her all round talent. If we are to win this we are going to have to contain her.”
DART Killester will be without their captain, Carmel Kissane, as well as Leah Westbrooks for their trip to Little Island to play cup champions, Glanmire. Killester also play Meteors this weekend.
Bausch & Lomb Wildcats should get back on the winning trail when they host Tolka Rovers at the Mercy Gym tomorrow night.
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