Price rallies Neptune for high-flying Eagles clash
In their opening Nivea for Men’s SuperLeague campaign last weekend they suffered a 94-84 defeat away to Killester.
Tomorrow night’s task will not be any easier, however, as UL Eagles are coming off back-to-back victories over Moycullen and Hoops under their new coach, Tony Hehir, and Price, who is building for the long haul, is well aware of this.
“We are certainly looking to improve on last weekend,” he said. “UL Eagles are the strongest Limerick team I’ve seen since they won the cup back in 2002.
“They have quality in every position. Defensively, we cannot allow 90 points and expect to be in a position to win the game. As our perimeter play and team defence improves, so will our results.”
UL Eagles have enjoyed a perfect start to the season but their coach, Tony Hehir, expects that record to be tested this weekend.
“Neptune will be well organised and this should prove a very tough away game,” said Hehir. “We have a few players injured. Hopefully we’ll have our full squad ready to play.”
UCC Demons, who opened their title defence with a hard fought win over Moycullen at the Mardyke Arena last weekend, travel to Dublin to play UCD Marian who have had a frustrating start to the season but then caused Demons more than a few problems in the play-off last season.
“They will certainly be bringing their A game to the court,” Demons’ coach, Luke D’Alessio, predicted. “We must be prepared to come out with a tough defence and a smart offence to ensure our second win.
“It will be necessary to contain Luke McCrone, Conor Meany and Neil Baynes, as they have been top scorers for Marian. Against their tough defence, we must be ready to execute our half-court offence flawlessly. ”
Ulster Elks will be desperate to atone for their opening day loss to Belfast Star when they take on DCU Saints who will be without the injured Joey McGuirk.
Belfast Star will be boosted by the arrival of Ewan McGrattan ahead of their game with Hoops in the National Basketball Arena while Hoops will be at full strength for their bid to get their first win of the season.
This weekend sees the opening games in the newly-named IrishSport.TV Women’s SuperLeague. What better game to get the season underway than a repeat of last season’s league final as champions, Team Montenotte Hotel Cork and DCU Mercy?
This season will see a major development with the clubs set to play without a paid professional, a decision largely based on Ireland’s financial situation.
UL travel to Sligo All Stars for their opening game while Tolka Rovers and Killester meet in an all-capital clash on Saturday while last season’s National Cup beaten finalists, Bausch & Lomb Waterford Wildcats, will welcome Meteors in their opening clash.
Team Montenotte Hotel, Cork and DCU Mercy will feature new look sides following plenty of player movement during the summer.
Jennifer Strong, Denise Walsh, Grainne Dwyer, Michelle Fahy and Nollaig Cleary have all exited Montenotte, while Mercy will be without familiar faces in the shape of Mary Fox, Jill Martin, Mairead Kirby, Helena Kenny and Becky Woods.
However, both sides have recruited with Marie Breen returning to Montenotte while Claire Rockall is expected to make an impact on Leeside this season. Mercy are bolstered by the arrival of Mary Claire Stakelum and Sarah McGrath. UL have added some new faces ahead of their trip to Sligo All Stars including new head coach, James Weldon. New additions to the bench include Rachel Vanderwal and Fiona Lynch while Michelle Aspell is being linked with the club.
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