Demons out to tame Tigers before Cork derbies
A win would also be the perfect shot in the arm before back-to-back fixtures against their Cork city neighbours, Neptune, tonight week at The Mardyke Arena and then at Neptune Stadium on January 5.
Said PRO John Dineen: “We lost our first game to Tralee so it would nice to turn that around. We have had six wins since and a few more could seal the Conference for us. I feel we can win this game and if we do it will be a huge victory particularly with the two derby games coming up.”
On their last visit to Cork unbeaten Tigers were given a fright by Neptune before snatching victory in the dying seconds.
Meanwhile, Stephen McCarthy enjoyed a perfect start to his Neptune reign with a sensational win over Merry Monk Ballina last weekend.
Neptune have had a season of highs and lows and if the former captain and Irish international can instil some consistency to their performances they could well be a formidable force in the competition. Tomorrow they travel to the UL Arena to play Limerick Lions who will be boosted by their win over the Mayo outfit.
“I was pleased that Limerick got the win over Ballina last Sunday. Unlike other games we held our nerve in the last minute or two and held on for the win,” said Lions player/coach Matt Hall. “Neptune have already beaten us this year, and it will take a big performance to turn them over Saturday.”
DCU Saints can end a miserable spell if they can manage to overcome a DART Killester side buoyed by an excellent run of form.
Killester are boosted by the return of Grenada-born Michael Bonaparte, who returns from a stomach virus.
DCU boast a full-strength squad and their Irish international Emmet Donnelly is relishing the chance to make amends for their indifferent form.
“It’s a great chance to end the year on a positive note but DART provide a serious test,” he added.
Meanwhile, UCD/Marian travel to the National Basketball Arena to face Hoops in confident mood with their win over DCU Saints in the league coming just a week after dumping Limerick Lions out of the Cup. Hoops’ cup heroics at the expense of UCC Demons were brought down to earth a week later after suffering a surprise loss away to UU in the league.
Mustang Sallys St Paul’s are away to Merry Monk Ballina, the side that defeated them in the cup last month. Since that fateful clash Killarney have gone on to defeat Belfast Star and Limerick Lions whereas Ballina have endured a poor run.
The Killarney side will welcome back Dainius Varanauskas from injury for this match while well-known gaelic footballer James Fleming — who captained Dr Crokes to an All Ireland Club final last March — is also expected to travel.
This will be the first game in charge for new coach Shane Horgan and assistant Brian Clarke. Last weekend’s scheduled match against UCC Demons was called off following the sad death of Timmy O’Donoghue, father of former Mustangs coach Cormac O’Donoghue and former assistant coach Caoimhin O’Donoghue. Timmy was a regular supporter at many Killarney basketball matches for several years and basketball fans everywhere will join in extending deepest sympathy to his wife Margaret, daughter Sheena, sons Shane, Cormac, Caoimhin and Timmy and extended family.
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