Tough for Demons as Eagles swoop in

WITH defending champions 1890 Killester in waiting, the remaining quarter-finals of the Men’s SuperLeague National Cup will be played this weekend.

UCC Demons, in a transition period, face an enormous task against UL Eagles at the University Arena tonight while UCD Marian and DCU Saints clash at Greendale and then, on Sunday afternoon, the Belfast derby sees Ulster Elks at home to Belfast Star at the University of Ulster High Performance Centre.

Eagles’ coach Mark Bernsen knows all about cup fever and he will tread warily when the South Conference leaders match up to Demons, who ruled the roost in this competition until a couple of years ago.

The other Cork team, Bord Gais Neptune, are one of only two teams to defeat Eagles this season and Demons enjoyed a three-point victory over their neighbours in a thrilling derby game not so long ago. On top of that, they have won five of their last seven games.

“Demons have played at a very high level throughout the first half of the season,” he said. “They have a team that seems to have all the parts, great post play, excellent wings and guard play that has been in top form all year.

Demons lost to Killester in the Nivea for Men’s SuperLeague last weekend but coach Paul Kelleher took a lot of confidence from their first-half performance.

“We did some nice things on offence and defence and I thought we turned in our best single half performance in that first half,” Kelleher said.

“UL have a big physical team with a wealth of experience and I’m sure they will be looking to take advantage of that.”

UCD Marian are hoping to follow up last weekend’s SuperLeague win over DCU Saints but coach Fran Ryan was not overconfident.

“It is a very difficult game for anyone to call,” he insisted.

UCD are bolstered by the return of Barry Glover from a hand injury and Dan James has also made a full recovery, while Saints have promoted Pat Crean from Division One to provide cover for injured Mike Trimmer.

“Pat is spending a year in Ireland after graduating from Springfield College, Massachusetts last June and he has been playing extremely well for our Division One team. I’m sure he will relish the opportunity to show what he can do at a higher level,” Saints’ Irish international, Emmet Donnelly, said.

Kevin Foley and Ciaran MacEvilly are doubtful for Ulster Elks for their game against Star while Conor Gallagher is still a month away from returning to full fitness.

“We are looking forward to our home derby with Belfast Star,” Elks’ coach, Deirdre Brennan, said.

“Star have an enormous and enviable tradition in the cup so we of are up against it but that makes it all the more interesting.”

The last three meetings have been decided in overtime and Star coach, Danny Fulton, predicts more of the same.

“This game is a tough one to call,” he insisted. “The Elks have one win and we have two in the league so there is very little between the two teams.”

The quarter-finals of the Women’s SuperLeague National Cup will also be decided over the weekend, with defending champions DCU Mercy at home against UL and last season’s beaten finalists, Team Montenotte Hotel Cork, facing a second trip in a week to Meteors. 11890 Killester will be hoping for better luck against Black Forge Oblate Dynamos.

The reigning champions must plan without Shauna O’Connor, who is recovering from a fractured wrist and Emma Dyer who has a broken thumb.

Coach Mark Ingle expects Spaniard Iris Martinez to pick up the slack but he is expecting a close game.

“I am missing two of my starters but we are welcoming in Iris, so hopefully we can do well and win the game,” he said.

UL can finally hand Natalie Taylor her long-awaited debut on Sunday, but there is a huge doubt over Rachel Vanderwal while Rhiannon McNulty is ruled out with an ankle injury.

“Natalie has been with the team over 12 weeks and she has blended in very well,” UL coach, James Weldon, said. “She is a super person off the court and hopefully her experience will count this weekend.”