Demons ready to cross Swords, says Kyle Hosford

Premier League giants C&S UCC Demons and Templeogue go head to head at the Mardyke Arena on Sunday in a potential championship decider.

First, the Cork outfit must account for Swords Thunder — who demolished them in the National Cup semi-final — in Dublin tomorrow.

Demons looked sluggish last weekend in their win over Belfast Star, but joint-captain Kyle Hosford is adamant his side can rediscover their best form this weekend.

“We had no excuses when we lost to Swords in the cup. We didn’t perform and they shot the lights out. But I think we have learned from that game and hopefully we can get the all-important win,” he said.

The mood in the Swords camp is also positive, as a win is a must for them to have any chance of making the Champions Trophy semi-final.

Coach Dave Baker said: “I always like playing Demons because they are always good games and with so much at stake it should be an interesting tussle.”

Templeogue also have a busy fixture list. They are away to UL Eagles tomorrow and visiting coach Mark Keenan is wary of the hosts.

“This can be a funny league as UL went to Swords earlier in the season and defeated them. We have no divine right to roll over them as I know they will want to get back to winning ways.”

Wins for both will ensure a capacity crowd at the Mardyke Arena on Sunday with the league title up for grabs.

Templeogue toppled Demons in their opening game of the season but Hosford believes there will be a completely different pressure on Sunday.

“What a way to finish to a season and if you cannot look forward to a game of this magnitude, you are involved in the wrong sport,” he said.

UCD Marian can consolidate fourth place if they defeat DCU Saints in what should be a cracking Dublin derby at Belfield. UCD are enjoying a good run but the Saints’ recovery in recent weeks has seen them win games against some of the elite sides.

Belfast Star produced a courageous performance against UCC Demons last week and a similar one should see them take maximum points when they host Moycullen.

Basement side Eanna have had a tough baptism in the top flight and need to be at their best for the visit of Killester.

In the Women’s Premier League, regular season champions DCU Mercy are at home to Killester who have beaten them twice this season, while Team Montenotte should have too much firepower when they entertain the in-form Meteors.