Demons get second shot at Eagles
Demons’ Shane Coughlan suffered a broken finger in last weekend’s bruising encounter that could sideline him for up to six weeks. The experienced point is one of the most influential players in the SuperLeague and much of the Demons’ game centres around him.
“Our task will be even more difficult without our captain,” Kelleher admitted.
“Last week we got dominated on the physical end and we will have to match that this weekend.”
And Eagles’ coach, Mark Bernsen, admitted that he, too, is expecting another tough battle.
“There will be no tricks or surprises — just intense and focused competition,” he said. “I think both squads will improve on certain aspects of their game.”
After a time out due to the quarter-finals of the National Cup, Bórd Gáis Neptune will be hoping to maintain their winning streak when they face old foes DCU Saints with Saints looking to bounce back from a bitterly disappointing quarter-final loss to neighbours, UCD Marian.
“We are looking forward to the game,” said Neptune coach Pat Price. “They are a big, physical side with an outstanding point guard and a wealth of depth.
“The Saints are essentially travelling with the same line-up that knocked us out of the playoffs last season, so I would expect that we will be excited and prepared for the match.”
DCU Saints continue to be without injured Mike Trimmer and their Irish international, Emmet Donnelly, wants them to show their true character against their old rivals.
“I am extremely disappointed after going out of the cup last weekend,” said Donnelly. “We will have to show our character and lift ourselves for a very tough trip to Cork.”
11890 Killester, whose unbeaten run stretches well back into last season will be hoping to extend it when they defend their title at home to UCD Marian.
Killester coach, Mark Keenan, will welcome the return of Kieran O’Brien who missed their last three games on account of work commitments.
“UCD are a team coming off some great wins and confidence will be high so we will need to be sharp.” Keenan admitted.
“Killester are now the benchmark for all the teams and are on a great unbeaten run,” Marian coach, Ryan, said. “They have been winning games with a margin to spare so it’s hard to get a grip on how much they are ahead of the rest of us.”
Last weekend Ulster Elks created a major upset when they dumped Belfast Star out of the Cup and coach, Deirdre Brennan, is hoping for more of the same when they cross paths again tomorrow night.
“We hope to keep this momentum going,” she said. “We have the utmost respect for Star and recognise that they will be out to make amends.”
In the IrishSport.TV Women’s SuperLeague, DCU Mercy, coming off their cup win last week, travel to play Black Forge Oblate Dynamos, while 11890 Killester host UL.
With the probability that UL stand out player Rachel Vanderwal will remain a spectator, coach James Weldon will be looking to newcomer Natalie Taylor to get them back on track..
“Natalie had an excellent game on Sunday and she is extremely eager to get more games under her belt,” he said.
“It’s disappointing to be out of the Cup so soon but there is nothing we can do about it except focus our attention on the League.”
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