Price says Neptune wary of Eagles threat
The winners will secure a quarter-final tie with UCC Demons and Price expects a tight contest.
“We have split the two games we’ve played against UL Eagles in the past month, so our focus and sense of urgency must be there from the outset, as we are now well aware of the talent that Mark Bernsen has at his disposal. Both our rebounding and containing of the drive will need to improve in order to stay with the Eagles.”
That defeat in Cork is the Eagles’ only league setback but Head Coach Mark Bernsen insists they are focused completely on cup progress.
“We will set aside the league action for a few days. Our league form has been solid but now we must get ready for the cup.”
Eagles’ Welsh international Matt Hall is well aware of the danger Neptune pose to their ambitions.
“Having lost two weeks ago we are well aware of the scoring threat they have with the likes of Michael Bonaparte, Ger Noonan and Phil Taylor, which we will have to defend better if we are to come out on top.
Meanwhile, 11890 Killester coach Mark Keenan insists league form will count for nothing when the injury-hit cup holders begin the defence of their crown in Moycullen tomorrow night.
The Dubliners have reeled off six wins on the spin in a perfect league opening and brushed Moycullen aside when they visited the Kingfisher Club last month.
But injuries to Paddy Kelly and Kieran O’Brien weaken Keenan’s hand and he insists complacency won’t be an issue.
“Moycullen will not be taken lightly even though they suffered two losses at the weekend,” he said, adding the obligatory warning that “league form goes out the window in cup competition.”
“We played them in our first game of the season and I know they are a much improved side since then.
Moycullen Head Coach Byrt has been handed a boost with the return of Cian Nihill and will pick from a full-strength squad, with injury-worries James Loughnane and John Cunningham also available.
“Killester gave us a lesson in our first outing of the season so I hope we can show that we learnt something from that,” said Byrt. “There is no doubt they are the best team in the league but our spirits are fine.”
In the Nivea For Men’s SuperLeague, UCD Marian have several injury worries ahead of their home clash with Northern Conference rivals Ulster Elks. The Students will be without Paddy Young, Conor James and Barry Glover.
Ben De La Cruz is a doubt for the Elks but Conor Gallagher returns to the squad after missing last weekend’s loss to 11890 Killester.
In-form Belfast Star and DCU Saints clash in Belfast with Martins Provizors and Eoin Quill returning for the visitors.
Scott Summersgill is a doubt for Star as they look to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
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