Killester eager for revenge on Marian
Killester coach Mark Keenan is keen to focus minds in his camp and use last weekend’s disappointment to their advantage. He explained: “It’s all about getting ready for the league play-offs and it’s up to ourselves to rebuild our own confidence and there’s no better way to start that process than by winning Sunday. I’m sure UCD will come to the game with loads of confidence after last week’s win.”
It will be a busy weekend for UCD Marian coach Fran Ryan who must also plan for a date with DCU Saints in Belfield tonight.
Ryan expects a tough 48 hours: “Other teams will have no problem getting motivated to play us for the rest of the year. Saints have been flying under the radar because of the distraction of the cup but if you look at their recent record they are the form team at present. And Killester will be waiting to prove a point on Sunday. We wait to see, but clearly coming off a Saturday night game and 24 hours later playing the top team in the Conference is not ideal.”
After an indifferent start, DCU Saints have enjoyed blistering form highlighted by wins over Killester and UCC Demons. Saints’ Emmet Donnelly vows his side wouldn’t be overawed by the occasion.
“I’m sure UCD Marian will have great support and be parading the cup before their home fans. But the winners will be in the driving seat to secure second place in the conference and we need no more incentive than that to do our utmost to come away with a win.”
Bord Gáis Neptune and UCC Demons are in a dogfight for second place in the Southern Conference and both face difficult assignments over the weekend. Neptune, one of just two teams to beat UL Eagles this season, renew rivalry with the Limerick side at UL Arena tomorrow night.
“We will have to be at our best to compete with Eagles,” Neptune coach, Pat Price, insisted. “We will need to cope better with the Eagles’ physical play than in our cup match. We have been playing better basketball these past few weeks, and I’m pleased with our efforts particularly on the defensive end.”
A win for UCC Demons over Belfast Star would ensure they remain in second spot and keep them on track for that all-important home advantage in the play-offs but coach Paul Kelleher knows they have a difficult away assignment.
“Belfast Star are very much in form having beaten Killester and Elks in two out of their last three games with Clayton Longmire excelling in both. Longmire’s length and scoring ability is obviously a major threat and we will have to be disciplined in our game plan to attempt to control his scoring.”
DCU Mercy hold the Indian sign over Team Montenotte Hotel Glanmire at the moment and, after Sunday’s Cup final, Mark Scannell’s side will have to dig deep if they are to exact revenge for that when they travel to DCU Sports Complex for their Women’s SuperLeague tie tomorrow.
Still, it’s a big ask for Mercy who will have celebrated their second cup success in a row this week.
“It’s a big game to start back with and it’s not ideal as there is so much at stake in the league for both teams,” Mercy coach, Mark Ingle, admitted. “Both sides will be motivated. The cup is over now and we must solely concentrate on the closing weeks in the league.”
Montenotte coach, Mark Scannell, said: “It’s a big game so soon after losing the cup final but it is also an opportunity to get back on track. We weren’t at our best last weekend but we have to turn our attentions to finishing the season on a high.” He will probably have to plan without his most experienced player, Marie Breen, who has been plagued with a back injury all season.
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