McCarthy wary ahead of derby duel
Demons got their SuperLeague campaign under way with a win over Star in Belfast last weekend and Neptune did what was always expected of them against Ulster Elks at Neptune Stadium.
But Neptune coach, Stephen McCarthy, knows only too well from his playing career that the form book is thrown out the window when it comes to a derby game.
“That’s how it has always been,” coach McCarthy said. “It does not matter where you are on the table. Two years ago Demons were at the top of the table and we beat them twice. Last year when we expected to win they beat us.”
He admitted that derby games can be difficult games for a coach pointing out that all a coach can do is try to introduce a measure of calm into the proceedings.
“It would have been good to have had a couple of big games behind us before this one,” he said. “It was good to start with a win against UU (Ulster Elks) but this is going to be different.”
The fact that he goes into the contest with a number of injury problems does not help matters. Two of his players are already ruled out — Paul Stapleton with a knee injury and Gary Walsh with an ankle injury — and one of his Americans, Tristan Parham, will undergo a late fitness test today.
For UCC Demon’s new coach, Douglas Leichner, this will be a whole new experience that he has not seen. “I am well aware of the long history between the two clubs,” he said. “I am looking forward to being a part of this historic rivalry.’’
Micheál Quirke will be on GAA
duties this weekend but defending champions Abrakebabra Tigers will be hoping Kieran Donaghy is available for their SuperLeague tie at home to Belfast Star tomorrow night.
After last weekend’s debacle when they lost the points over a condensation problem on the court Mark Bernson will be looking for a win to get his side back on track.
DART Killester have been boosted by the signing of Eoin McDermott from Clondalkin Lakers ahead of their clash with UCD/Marian but they could be without former Neptune star, Kieran O’Brien, who is struggling with a knee injury while Paddy Kelly is doubtful with a groin injury.
UCD/Marian could also have a new face on the bench with the signing of Michael Parker which they expect to complete in time for the game with DART.
Limerick Lions are at full strength for their first home game of the season against a Hoops side hoping to get off the mark under new coach Ahmad Smith who will be looking for a greater team effort this time.
“We kept it a low scoring game against DART Killester last weekend but we need to play better together and make a better team effort,” said Smith.
Lions coach, Sasa Punosevac, is expecting a tough game. “They have some very good new players and also some experienced Irish players. Jonathan Reed is one of the best point guards in the country over the past two years,” he said.
The Basketball Ireland Women’s Superleague gets under way this weekend amidst a huge sense of optimism after a hugely positive international campaign for the Ireland senior women’s team.
Reigning champions Team Montenotte Hotel Cork, coached by Irish Senior Women’s Head Coach Mark Scannell, open their defence away to Tolka Rovers.
Nodlaig Cleary and Amanda O’Regan will not be available for selection after their GAA commitments during the summer, while US star Jennifer Strong is hopeful of being available after sitting out training on Tuesday night.
Tony Hehir’s Waterford Wildcats will play host to a full strength Meteors side for their first game of the season.
New Cork side, LeisureWorld Churchfield Iona, will be without two of their experienced players for their SuperLeague debut against University of Limerick at Neptune Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Canadian Rachael Vanderwal is suffering from head and rib injuries while the Cork All-Ireland ladies footballer, Juliet Murphy, is out with a groin injury.
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