Drama as Killester awarded points

THERE was a dramatic end to yesterday’s NIVEA for MENSuperLeague clash at the Parochial Hall when the Technical officials stopped the game and awarded the points to 11890 Killester despite the fact UCC Demons were leading 60-42 after condensation was discovered on the floor.

Demons were actually leading by 18 point with six minutes remaining when American Shawn Atupem slipped and fell after dunking the ball. There had been a previous stoppage to deal with a condensation issue.

Demons’ coach Paul Kelleher was philosophical about the abandonment insisting they would be looking on this as a win despite the fact that they will lose the points.

“Technically, by the rules, Killester get the win but, as far as I am concerned, we were 60-42 up with six minutes to go so in my books it’s a win.”

He said it was unlikely they would appeal the decision but said they would certainly be making their feelings known. “According to the rule it is going to be classed as a victory for Killester and it is unlikely that will be changed,” he said. “We’ll hardly appeal it but we will send in a report making our feelings known. I don’t think the game should have been called off.”

Demons may be showing form at the right moment ahead of nextweekend’s Cork derby with Bord Gais Neptune which will inject some excitement into the Men’s Superleague.

And Bord Gais Neptune got just the right boost ahead of that game in the form of an 85-75 victory over Cup champions UCD Marian,on Saturday night.

Neptune’s Ronald Thompson and Phil Taylor starred with 20 points apiece, while teammate Garry Wash added 13 points in the outfit.

After just two games in charge, Neptune coach Mark Scannell expressed his delight with his side’s defensive effort but believes there is more work to do.

“We really knocked it down defensively in the second-half which opened up our transition game,” he said. “But I think we are only 50% there at the moment and have a lot more work to do before next weekend.”

UL Eagles added their new American Johnnie Jefferson to the roster for their game at UL Arena and he linked up with his former Irish international team mate Jason Killeen, to contribute 18 points each to an impressive 99-70 victory over Belfast Star.

“Jason was a huge factor in why we won,” UL coach, Mark Keenan, said. “He was a monster on the boards and forced everyone else to raise their level of play while Johnnie is slotting in nicely. Now that we have a full team I am excited to see what we are capable of.”

In the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague Claire Rockall contributed a massive 22 points as Team Montenotte Hotel Cork defeated league newcomers Liffey Celtics 78 — 43.