Tigers get off to a flyer

CHAMPIONS DART Killester got their defence of the title off to a winning start against UCD/Marian on Thursday night and were able to watch from the wings as the NIVEA for MEN’S SuperLeague got back into full swing over the weekend with significant victories for Abrakebabra Tigers, Limerick Lions, and Neptune.

Tigers, the reigning Cup champions, had Kieran Donaghy in their starting five for the eagerly-awaited clash with arch rivals, UCC Demons, and while the Kerry football star played a huge part in their 118-105 victory with 19 points, their big win was largely attributed to debutantes, Chris Jordan and Carl Hadley, who each hit scores of 30 points.

Neptune are always popular visitors to the Presentation Gym in Killarney, where they left it late to collect their first points with a 92-89 victory over the hosts, Mustang Sallys/St Paul’s.

St Pauls were 63-61 ahead with two minutes remaining in the third quarter. Neptune finished the quarter strongly with nine points without reply with Michael DeCorso in fine form.

The visitors extended their lead to eight points (90-82) with just over a minute remaining but baskets in quick succession from Matt Hilleary and Jarlath Lee narrowed the gap to a point and set up a nail-biting finale. Ger Noonan, however, was clinical from the free throw line in the final seconds and ensured victory for Neptune.

Danny Fulton’s wily Belfast Star were too strong for league newcomers University of Ulster (83-68) yesterday. Star, inspired by Stephen Dawson, held a 42-28 advantage at half time and rarely looked under serious threat.

Limerick Lions scored a dramatic win away to SuperLeague giants Ballina 85-84 at a packed Ballina Sports Complex. Rob Lynch provided the decisive three pointer while Ballina had a big performance from Ronan McGarrity with 32 points.

Meanwhile, in the Women’s SuperLeague, UL Aughinish continued their winning start with a 67-48 win over Tolka Rovers.

Irish international Fiona Scally hit 19 points for the home side, while American Jolie McKiernan was back to her very best form, hitting a game high of 28 points for Tolka.

Glanmire’s win over Dart Killester was never in any doubt as Jennifer Strong (17 points) and Michelle Fahy (11) helped them to a 72-32 win on Saturday evening.

Waterford Wildcats collected their first win of the season with a 58-45 win over Meteors. The Wildcats dominated the third and fourth quarters with 16-year-old Stephanie O’Shea netting 14 points while Leah Truncale hit 19 points for Meteors.