Kiveney and Neptune looking up after banishing Demons to rock bottom in derby duel
BOXED OUT: Tamyrik fields, UCC Demons under pressure from Mike Hayes, Neptune during their Domino's Super League match at Neptune Stadium, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan
There was joy at the Neptune Stadium following their thrilling 95-77 win over UCC Demons in their bottom of the table Super League clash, with coach Ciaran Kiveney summing up a very good day at the office.
“We knew it was a crucial game and we prepared accordingly. Our game plan working well up to the third quarter but Demons got a run on us in the third which would be expected in a game with so much relying on it,” Kiveney said.
While Demons must come to terms with another dispiriting defeat which leaves them rock bottom for the victors the mood is suddenly brightening. Joining Neptune at such a crucial stage of the season was always going to be a huge task but Kiveney is enjoying the challenge.
“I think my biggest challenge was getting the lads playing as a team and today with our professionals outstanding and getting a good contribution from our Irish players it laid the foundation for our win,” he added.
When Kiveney joined he helped sign Americans Mike Hayes and Samuel Henderson and both looked extra sharp in this game.
“Look I didn’t know much about the lads that were here at the start of the season but I have to say we now look better balanced with Mike and Samuel and with Adon Gregorio also outstanding it was a good day for us.”
The head coach is hoping Saturday's festive derby win can take Neptune away from the bottom of the table firmly believing his team are capable of mixing it with the best, particularly on their home court.
“I do believe my own team and Demons shouldn’t be in this position and from my own perspective I think that our stadium will become a fortress for visiting teams in the coming months.”
The Cork derby games between Neptune and Demons is one the most famous clashes in Irish sport and Kiveney wasn’t disappointed in his first game at the helm of the great occasion.
“I thought the Galway derby game when I coached Titans was an experience, but nothing matched what I witnessed today and many thanks to all our fans for getting behind us," he added.
“Neptune are a proud club and I want this tradition to carry on and now the players must build on this win and make sure we get away from the relegation zone.”
The Neptune captain Adam Heaphy didn’t play as he was ill over the Christmas period but he was thrilled with the spirit shown by the squad.
“When our three pros turned up there was always a chance, we could put in a solid performance but for me today our Irish players made a huge contribution that laid the foundation for the win,” said Heaphy, who believes his team learned from the UCD Marian defeat in Dublin before Christmas.
“As a group we didn’t perform but thankfully lessons were learned and to me no matter how good your Americans play we need our Irish lads also putting in a good shift to win games.
“On results both clubs deserve to be rooted at the bottom, but I think there is quality to stay in this league and hopefully it will turn for both of us in the New Year as basketball needs this unique rivalry.”
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