Killester send out clear message

AS STATEMENTS of intent go, Killester’s work at the weekend was pretty emphatic.

An 83-51 defence-driven blow-out of southern conference leaders UL Eagles in Limerick was a clearmessage that Mark Keenan’s outfit are over their Cup disappointment, and ready for basketball’s play-offs.

The victory clinched the northern conference for 11890 Killester, but their coach was just as pleased with the side’s effort without the ball at the UL Arena.

“Defensively we were superb. We managed to do well on our defensive rebounding. That had been aproblem against them in previous games, but we managed to limit that side of their game. The win secures our place as winners of the conference. That was our goal going to Limerick and we’re reallydelighted with the win.” he said.

“The performance wasn’t really a surprise, because you can never be surprised by what a group of players like that can do. They havetremendous ability. Obviously it’s very difficult to perform like thatevery week, but to play like we did against UL is very encouraging.”

DCU Saints edged closer to second place in the Northern Conference after an 91-76 win away to Ulster Elks.

Another outfit sending out their own signals are Bord Gais Neptune, with a pair of impressive wins in the space of a week, the latest a high scoring 103-91 win away to cup champions UCD Marian.

“The two wins are exactly what we needed after the concern of nothaving played too many games recently,” said Neptune coach Pat Price. “Our guys understand the importance of winning on the road and that could be crucial when we reach the play-offs,” added Price.

Meanwhile Belfast Star coach Danny Fulton admitted his side “got out of jail” after they emergedvictorious in overtime 85-82following a rollercoaster contest against Moycullen on Saturday.

The defeat will be acutely felt by Enda Byrt’s side who were 0.8 seconds away from only their second win of the season.

UCC Demons are also enjoying a good run of results and followed up their surprise win over UL midweek with a 93-71 win away to Ulster Elks on Saturday. Said coach PaulKelleher. “We have rectified a few problems from the Neptune game and the response against UL and Elks has been excellent.”

In the IrishSport.TV Women’s SuperLeague, UL ensured anastonishing eighth win in a row with an 88-54 win away to Waterford Wildcats. Team Montenotte Hotel Cork comfortably saw off Meteors with an impressive 72-45 victory on Saturday.