Townes leads the charge as Neptune peg back Star

Bord Gáis Neptune had to come from behind to deny Belfast Star 75-72 in a pulsating Men’s Premier League game yesterday.

The northerners led by 12 points in the third quarter but gradually Neptune began to get a grip and reduced the deficit to six points at the break — 47-41.

In the second half, the class of Neptune’s American Darren Townes was crucial as they battled back to within two points of Star — 58-56 — entering the fourth quarter.

The capacity attendance were treated to some magnificent basketball coming down the stretch but some terrific moves from Ger Noonan ensured that Neptune won this game at the death.

Naturally coach Mark Scannell was relieved at the final buzzer but still found time to praise his troops.

“We had a number of players carrying injuries coming into the game but we showed our maturity when defeat stared us in the face,” Scannell said.

Inspired by American Michael Bonaparte, Killester showed glimpses of brilliance in their opening 79-81 win over Dublin Inter at Clontarf.

Bonaparte chipped in with 27 points and with the Westbrook brothers, Isaac (14) and Michael (23) also playing leading roles, the former champions were seldom troubled by their fellow Dublin opponents.

For newly appointed coach Jonathon Grennell this was a pleasing performance

Grennell said: “The first game of any campaign is always a potential banana skin but I thought we showed tremendous energy all over the court.”

Premier League debutants Templeogue went down 84-79 in their Dublin derby game with DCU Saints.

The sides were level 46 points apiece at the interval but the Saints put in some sterling work late on to snatch victory.

James Donnelly, Eoin Darling and American Peter Lynch all chipped in 20 points apiece for the winners.

Scottie Kinevane inspired UL to a 70-57 victory over Moycullen last night with 14 points.

In the Women’s Premier League champions UL Huskies gave a stern warning to all title pretenders they are not going to give up their crown without fight after toppling the highly rated DCU Mercy 75-57.

Rachel Clancy with 19 points led the UL scoring with coach James Weldon thrilled with his teams victory on the road.

“It was always going to be tough playing DCU on their home court but once again we stood up to the challenge and in the end were comfortable winners,” Weldon said.