Vanderwal wary of Montenotte
WIT Wildcats and UL are presently tied at six league titles apiece and if the Limerick side can win their seventh they will cement their place at the top of the Irish basketball roll of honour.
And getting there would be timely. Over the last few months there have been growing expectations that this side, including coach James Weldon, will break up at the end of the season.
Travelling to Limerick three times a week from his Killarney home has been difficult but, in his own, words it’s been worthwhile.
“When you are involved with a squad of players that are so dedicated travelling does not become an issue and I have enjoyed many great years with an outstanding group of people,” he said.
However the Kerryman did not wish to be drawn into the topic of their future on the eve of final.
“First of all as a coach it would be wrong for me to talk about the future plans of my players before a major final as it would be highly disrespectful,” Weldon said.
“It’s very simple. Players have come and gone during my time here and I am sure that’s a similar situation with many clubs in this country.
“Circumstances change and at the moment we have three players on the other side of 30 and who knows what they will choose to do next season.”
One of those is Rachael Vanderwal who arrived in Cork back in 2006 to play with Donoughmore.
Little did she realise then that eight years later she would have made so many strides in her career from first division basketball with Donoughmore under coach Kieran Doherty to playing with Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics.
League and cup titles were added to Vanderwal’s cabinet with UL Huskies to complete a remarkable period in the life of the Canadian-born star.
“Cork is now my home and working as a PE teacher at the North Presentation school is a tremendous job that I love,” Vanderwal said.
“I honestly do not know what I will be doing next season and at the moment I am not even thinking about it as my total focus is on winning the league title for UL.”
However Vanderwal did admit the road to Limerick had become a chore in recent years: “Last season I was travelling on my own because Fiona Lynch had opted out for a year but to be honest this season has been ok as she returned to the squad but I do realise the journey will end some day.”
Looking ahead to the final Rachael believes it will take a mighty effort to defeat Team Montenotte.
“When we play Montenotte they are tremendous hard-fought games because, believe me, when you are facing Niamh and Gráinne Dwyer it can be testing as they are both true warriors.”
UL lost a memorable cup final this season to Team Montenotte: “When you lose a final as good as that one was it does hurt but my attitude is upwards and onwards and hopefully it will be our turn to bask in glory on Sunday.”
After experiencing playing with Great Britain in the Olympics, Rachael is hoping to be part of the squad in the summer for the European championships.
“We were informed this week that our funding has been cut so it will be tougher financially for us but yes I hope I am part of the squad in the summer.”
For now Vanderwal’s efforts are totally focused on winning her fourth consecutive league title and if was to be her final game in a UL jersey it would be a magnificent way to bow out.
All games at Neptune Stadium
TODAY
Women’s Division 1 final
, 8pm
Portlaoise Panthers coach Peter O’Sullivan is hoping his side can complete the elusive double when they face Tralee Imperials this evening in the Women’s Division 1 League final.
The sides have won a game each against each other in the league this season, which is why Portlaoise’s Peter O’Sullivan will be taking nothing for granted.
“We both have a win against each other in the league but I suppose winning the national cup final was our biggest achievement,” he said.
Basketball is presently thriving at the Portlaoise club and O’Sullivan is hoping this occasion will be another one to remember for his family.
“My wife Maeve and sister Catherine are part of the squad so one could say it’s going to be a major achievement if we complete the double,” added O’Sullivan.
The Kerry side will be hoping Sinead Mackessy, Emma Sherwood and Lynn Jones produce the basketball they are capable of. Imperials were impressive in last week’s derby win over St Mary’s Castleisland and coach Liam Culloty will be relying on his experienced players to bring their A game to this final.
The Panthers were basking in glory following their cup win over Imperials but the Kerry side could be ready to reverse that result.
Verdict: Tralee Imperials
Men’s League Cup semi-finals
It’s a very interesting pairing in the first League Cup semi-final as Dublin Inter will be hoping to reach their second National Cup final of the season.
Inter were no match for UCC Demons in the Premier Division National Cup final back in January but are bound to pose UCD Marian problems.
However, Marian are a very good side on their best day and, with American Terence King finishing the season in style, they have a reasonable chance of toppling Dublin Inter.
The one player who could sway the outcome is UCD’s Conor Meany in what should be a tactical encounter from start to finish.
Verdict: UCD
Defending Premier League and Cup champions UL Eagles get a chance to pick up consolation silverware when they clash with Belfast Star in the League cup semi-final.
The Limerick side have had a disappointing season to date but coach Mark Keenan will have his side primed to finish the campaign in style.
Belfast Star parted with Spanish coach Jose Maria Berracul at the start of the year but are still a tough team to break down.
However UL’s American Delwan Graham is a good athlete and his clash with Frank Otis could well decide the outcome of this semi-final.
Verdict: UL Eagles
Women’s Premier League Shield final
The Women’s Shield final is a hard one to call, with both teams showing good form at various stages of this campaign.
Ulster Rockets, under coach Breda Dick, have been a tough team to crack on their home court but they fail to bring it on the road with them. Coach Dick had an illustrious playing career with Killester and the former senior international looks forward to another visit to Leeside.
“I loved playing in Cork and I have brought enthusiasm with me into my coaching role and hopefully my team can produce their best basketball as it would make the long journey home worthwhile,” Breda said.
Verdict: Ulster Rockets.
TOMORROW
Women’s Premier League final
There is an air of expectancy leading into this final as defending champions UL Huskies will be hoping to win this title for the fourth consecutive time.
These teams were involved in an epic national cup final back in January with the honours going to Montenotte after extra time and a repeat of that game will have the Blackpool venue buzzing.
UL will be looking to the shooting skills of Rachael Vanderwal and Rachael Clancy to upset the dogged Montenotte defence. The Cork side will have the backing of the home crowd and if the Dwyer sisters, Grainne and Niamh, play to their potential Montenotte could complete the elusive double.
Verdict: Team Montenotte.
- by John Coughlan
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
