Eagles on hunt to fill void left by Jefferson
Eagles coach Mark Keenan masterminded a big win over his old club, 11890 Killester, a couple of weeks ago without their American Johnnie Jefferson, who they have released, and they ground out a win over Belfast Star last weekend.
They are currently negotiating a replacement for Jefferson and Keenan would like to have some extra firepower for tomorrow night’s game against the SuperLeague leaders.
“We defeated DCU in Dublin last time but my experience of Saints is they can bounce back after a defeat and no doubt this will be a true test for us,” he said.
DCU Saints were stunned by UCC Demons a fortnight ago. Demons, who were on a run at the time, accounted for Eagles but lost to 11890 Killester last weekend so there is no line of form to go on.
“It will be a good test for the guys because UL put one over on us recently but the reality is we got what we deserved from that game,” said DCU Saints coach David Donnelly.
“UL are a very good side and word on the street suggests they could have a new American playing against us so it all adds up to an intriguing clash.”
The defending champions, 11890 Killester, travel to Cork on Sunday to play Bord Gáis Neptune with some measure of confidence after their victory over Demons last weekend.
“We are really looking forward to the game,” Killester coach Darren O’Neill, said.
“Neptune are a fine side and although we beat them earlier in our place, they are on a good run at the moment and it will give us a chance to see how we are doing.
“I was so happy with last week’s win, the guys were fantastic and I was particularly happy with Robbie Clarke’s performance.
“He has matured since I came in but he is struggling with a calf strain and hasn’t trained this week but I am hopeful that he will be okay.”
Neptune coach Mark Scannell was buoyant after his side’s win over UCD Marian last time out but he knows this will be a very different challenge.
“Killester showed what they are capable of against UCC Demons,” he said.
“They have enjoyed tremendous success over the past few years and still have a great squad even if a few departed in the summer.”
UCC Demons coach Paul Kelleher admitted he was disappointed with last week’s performance against Killester as they geared up for an away game with UCD Marian.
“Anybody can win games or lose games in the league this year,” he said.
“But for us, it was the performance that was disappointing. We know when we perform we have as good a chance as anybody to get a result.”
UCD Marian coach Fran Ryan is hoping they can bounce back from their 100-86 home defeat by Bord Gáis Neptune, but knows they must improve to do so.
“UCC Demons looked the form team up until last week when Killester defeated them but I know they possess some quality players,” he said.
In the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague, leaders UL host improving Ulster Rockets and Liffey Celtics, languishing at the bottom of the table, host 11890 Killester while Team Montenotte will not take Waterford Wildcats lightly at Neptune Stadium.
Meteors entertain Singletons Supervalu Brunell while DCU Mercy face a Dublin derby with Oblate Dynamos.
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