Stiff test for Demons’ title-tilt

Who’s going to blink first? That’s got to be the question both UL Eagles and UCC Demons are asking as they face into another pivotal weekend in the Nivea for Men’s SuperLeague.

Separated by just a point, UL’s lead is a fragile one and Demons have a game in hand. But this weekend will test both sides as they come up against foes who have managed rare wins against the league leaders.

Demons were hoodwinked last time out by Killester who signed a new coach and American player days before their clash and got pipped by a point. Given the Cork side’s cup semi-final loss to rivals Bord Gáis Neptune last weekend, the pressure is on them to perform.

“We talked about it for a few minutes at training Monday night and then we put it behind us. I thought the application and attitude of the players was fantastic and a testament to their character,” said coach Paul Kelleher.

“We have one focus now and only one focus and that is Saturday night in the IWA Centre in Clontarf and getting a result against Killester.”

UL Eagles will carry a similar focus into their grudge match with DCU Saints and Dave Donnelly, who masterminded the Dublin side’s previous victory, is expecting a vengeful response in Limerick tomorrow.

“We did get a good result against them last time out but it will be a huge ask to go to Limerick and win and we know that. They are clearly one of the best teams, they are top of the league and in the cup final,” said Donnelly.

Adding to the intrigue is Bord Gáis Neptune’s form of late. Lying in third they had all but been written off for a top-two finish until recent results has seen them emerge as possible title contenders. The only other game on the schedule this weekend is an all-Dublin affair as UCD Marian and Dublin Inter square off in Belfield.

Meanwhile in the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague an all-Cork tie between a young up-and-coming Singleton SuperValu Brunell squad and second-placed Team Montenotte Hotel Cork promises to be entertaining.

“This is the Demons Neptune game for us. There has been a great rivalry between the teams and everyone is fit and ready to go for Sunday,” said Brunell head coach Kieran O’Leary.

Elsewhere there is an all-Dublin clash as Killester take on DCU Mercy, UL Huskies take on Liffey Celtics while Meteors and WIT Wildcats will square off against Coláiste Iosagáin.