Donnelly demands Saints rise to Neptune task

DCU SAINTS put their unbeaten record on the line when they entertain southern conference leaders Bord Gais Neptune at the DCU Sports complex tomorrow.

Saints are in a rich vein of form but coach David Donnelly believes this is a weekend that will tell him more about the progress of his team.

“We first have a real test against an in-form Neptune side and then we have UL Eagles to contend with on Monday. These are two games that will test us to the limit,” Donnelly said.

Neptune coach Mark Scannell was fuming at the end of the Killester game last weekend when he saw his side miss 21 lay-ups, 19 free-throws and turn the ball over on 14 occasions.

Scannell believes his players will have to play far better defence against a side fielding players who can shoot with accuracy outside the perimeter.

UL Eagles were being touted as pre-season championship favourites but, following last week’s defeat by UCC Demons, they find themselves 1-4.

“We have not been playing the basketball we are capable of but we are working hard and we will be going all out to put it right against UCD Marian,” said King.

Belfast Star are another side in need of a win as they entertain winless Moycullen, who travel north following an improved performance against UCD Marian last week.

In the Women’s Nivea SuperLeague, the top game sees DCU Mercy involved in a Dublin derby with Killester. DCU were left reeling last weekend when Team Montenotte, Cork demolished them and captain Lindsay Peat will be hoping her side can return to winning ways.

“Our performance against Montenotte left an awful lot to be desired and I am hoping we will learn from the dreadful basketball we produced in such a crucial game,” Lindsay said.

Team Montenotte host the in-form Ulster Rockets at the Neptune Stadium with a stern warning from coach Cormac O’Donoghue not to underestimate the northerners.

UL are showing why they were crowned champions last season and they will be hoping to keep their unbeaten record intact when they host basement club Liffey Celtics.

Oblate Dynamos will have an opportunity to chalk up a win when they host league debutants Singletons Supervalu Brunell.

Dynamos suffered a defeat to Meteors in their Dublin derby last week but Brunell also came a cropper when they were demolished at home by UL.

Waterford Wildcats host Meteors after last shocking Killester last weekend.