Scannell urges Neptune to shore up defence

IT IS the meeting of last season’s men’s Superleague finalists, but it’s not a defining clash in terms of this campaign, Killester coach Darren O’Neill has insisted ahead of Sunday’s trip to Neptune Stadium in Cork.

Nevertheless Bord Gais Neptune will be looking to gain some revenge on their Dublin rivals after Killester claimed the league title at Neptune’s expense last season.

It will spice things up that both sides are already showing title challenging form this season.

Neptune are on the back of a stunning 104-102 win over UCC Demons, while Killester also maintained their winning start with a win at home to UL Eagles.

“I know we scored 104 points but we gave up 102 and that is not a good enough effort on the defensive end,” said Neptune coach Mark Scannell. “We can’t allow this to happen again and I am expecting a better performance against Killester.”

Meanwhile, 11890 Killester will be boosted by a full strength squad. “I am not worried about pressure because it is too early in the season for this to be a defining game,” said Scanlon’s counterpart Darren O’Neill.

“Both teams are still settling in, adjusting to new players and coaches, and are not at their best.”

UL Eagles and UCC Demons will be both looking for a return to winning ways tomorrow night at the University Arena. Demons coach Paul Kelleher believes his side has already moved on from the derby defeat to Neptune.

“This is an opportunity to get our record back on track similar to last year when we had five wins in five road games,” said Kelleher. “Obviously there needs to be a level of discipline for this to happen and we are definitely on the right track as the players have bounced back quickly after such a disappointing defeat.”

UL Eagles will focus their attentions on the defensive end of their game.

“We have to play a full 40 minutes of defence and not one minute less if we want to give ourselves a chance to win,” said coach Mark Keenan.

Meanwhile, Team Montenotte Hotel take on National Cup victors DCU Mercy in a much anticipated Cup final rematch tomorrow in the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague. Montenotte will boast a full roster including former Irish International Niamh Dwyer who has been making her mark on the league since her return from the UK.

Montenotte coach Cormac O’Donoghue said: “It’s not January so we will be preparing for this game as a league game and nothing else.” However, DCU Mercy Head Coach Mark Ingle believes this game means much more to the players from both sides.

“This rivalry has been going on for five years now and every year there is a bit more build up to the game.”