Champions Killester and UL square up for battle of Clontarf
At the end of last season, the trophies ended up in Killester’s cabinet, and the Dubliners have maintained their amazing unbeaten sequence throughout the new season to date.
Likewise Eagles are top of the Southern Conference with just one defeat. That was at the hands of Bord Gais Neptune but they wrought vengeance last weekend when they dumped Irish basketball’s most decorated team out of the cup.
Last season a somewhat inexperienced Eagles had everything at their fingertips – almost. It eventually came down to the Nivea for Men SuperLeague final and Killester, who had tormented them all season, grabbed the opportunity to complete a treble.
“Killester probably had the measure of the Eagles last term and they beat us in last season’s league final,” coach Mark Bernsen admitted. “This is our first formal meeting this season and if we can get into the right mindset we will have a chance of getting a win.
“In light of last year’s results between us, we will be big targets for them and we will need to be in top form to come away with a win.”
That win is possible if they can reproduce the form they have shown in most of their games this season. They lost by 10 points to Neptune in the SuperLeague but last weekend, with their star American, Cameron Mitchell, on fire they reversed that result in the cup showdown.
“I thought we played well in the game against Neptune,” Bernsen said. “Our defensive effort was very good. We have to repeat that against Killester to get anything out of the game.”
Killester will be without Paddy Kelly, who has a broken collar bone, Kieran O’Brien, who has work commitments, and Eric Westbrooks who has a foot injury. Coach Mark Keenan admits it is a big game for them.
“UL (Eagles) are a much stronger team this year,” he said. “They have made their intentions very clear with their signings in the off season. Mark Bernsen has assembled a great squad.”
Meanwhile Bord Gais Neptune coach, Pat Price, will be anxious to get his side back in the winning groove when they entertain UCD Marian at Neptune Stadium tomorrow night.
“Our sole focus is now on becoming a play-off calibre team,” Price said. “UCD Marian have a strong perimeter game and their team speed is a concern. We are seeking more assertiveness and collective responsibility and I am confident that we will see an improvement this weekend.”
Topping the IrishSport.TV Women’s SuperLeague this weekend is the tie between defending champions, Team Montenotte Hotel Cork and UL at Neptune on Sunday. Montenotte coach, Mark Scannell, is relishing facing the might of UL, a team he describes as the team to beat this season.
“It is an early season game though and regardless of Sunday’s outcome there is a long way to go. We are going to be competitive and I believe you must win your home games and make home advantage count,” Scannell said.
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