Killester aiming to atone for final defeat

A DREADFUL run of four defeats in five has left UCD Marian’s Superleague play-off hopes out of their own hands as they prepare for a Dublin derby this weekend against 11890 Killester.

They need a win and their nearest rivals, Belfast Star, to lose both their games against Bord Gáis Neptune and Ulster Elks on the final weekend of the regular season.

The students created a huge shock by claiming the National Cup title at the expense of Killester in January but their form since then has left their hopes hanging by a thread.

“Our potential to beat Killester depends on the reaction to having the 10 days off and I simply don’t know what that will be,” said UCD Marian coach Fran Ryan. “Belfast Star getting two wins in Killester is the unexpected factor in the season and a great credit to them in that achievement.

“In Belfield we have a real chance of winning if we can bring a performance close to the top end of the players’ ability.”

Northern Conference champions 11890 Killester are unlikely to let UCD Marian off the hook after their National Cup final defeat to the students.

“UCD away will be a very tough game,” said Killester coach Mark Keenan. “They are fighting to hang on to a play-off spot and it’s a must win game for them. We will want to finish our regular season off with a win before we head for our league semi-final game.”

Belfast Star coach Danny Fulton, is hoping they can put an end to the debate by beating Bord Gáis Neptune and not having to rely on their derby affair with Ulster Elks.

“If we play the way we did against UCD and Killester last week we have a great chance,” said Fulton. “We don’t want a situation where we are going to our near rivals Ulster Elks requiring a win to qualify.”

On top of facing Belfast Star, Neptune also meet DCU Saints as their hopes of finishing second in the Southern Conference remain alive. “We have two huge challenges on the road in Belfast Star and DCU Saints, both of whom are play-off teams,” said Neptune coach Pat Price. “It will be great preparation for the following weekend, although two games in less than 24 hours is not ideal.”

UL Eagles are another side facing a busy double header and know a victory against either Ulster Elks tonight or UCC Demons on Sunday will ensure home advantage in the semi-finals. UCC Demons are favourites to enter the play-off’s as the second best team in the Southern Conference and face a double assignment this weekend against Moycullen and UL Eagles.

Meanwhile Black Forge Oblate Dynamos have earned a place in the IrishSport.TV Women’s SuperLeague Play-Off’s but face a mammoth challenge against UL in the semi-finals. However they get the chance to size up the scale of that challenge when the two sides meet this weekend.

Elsewhere Marie Breen remains an injury absentee for Team Montenotte Hotel Cork ahead of their clash with Waterford Wildcats but could return for their all important play-off semi with DCU Mercy.