BASKETBALL:KILLESTER ARE set for a busy Bank Holiday with two games in as many days; a home game against Bord Gais Neptune followed by a trip to Ulster Elks in the latest round of Nivea For Men's Superleague fixtures.
The reigning champions have started the season with a 100 per cent record but will be without Paddy Kelly for these two games due to work commitments.
The returning Isaac Westbrooks believes the side can make history by repeating their treble success last term.
“The goal is to repeat the treble,” said Westbrooks, who plied his trade with Leicester Tigers in the British Basketball League last season.
“To go undefeated would be another goal but there is some excellent quality in the league, it would be difficult to achieve that.
“Ulster Elks will over time be a force, while I believe Neptune will be one of the main challengers this season. After seeing UL Eagles, they are probably going to prove the stiffest competition.”
Neptune have been heavily linked with former Killester star Michael Bonaparte but face a race against time to secure his services by the weekend. The club have been forced to seek cover for Robinson Louisme after an ankle injury has ruled the American out for up to three weeks.
“The loss of Robinson Louisme and Ian McLaughlin to injury is a massive hurdle to overcome, but it provides opportunities for others,” said coach Pat Price.
Ulster Elks have received a huge boost ahead of their game with the champions with Kevin Foley set to make a return.
The Dubliner missed the club’s loss to UCD Marian in their last outing and his shooting will be vital if the Elks stand any chance of causing an upset.
UL Eagles are at full strength as they prepare for another double header, hosting Belfast Star on Saturday before a potentially tricky trip away to Moycullen.
Star have endured a miserable start to the season and a lot will depend this weekend on whether they can complete the signing of American Clayton Longmire.
UCC Demons will be hoping to follow up their excellent comeback against Moycullen last weekend when they welcome DCU Saints to the Mardyke Arena while DCU Saints bring a full quota to Cork apart from long-term injury absentee Kevin Lacey. .
TODAY – Ireland Senior Women’s National Cup: UL v Portlaoise, Castletroy College, 7.30.
TOMORROW – Men’s Superleague: UCD Marian v Moycullen, UCD Sports Centre, 7.00; UL Eagles v Belfast Star, UL Arena, 7.30; 11890 Killester v Bord Gais Neptune, IWA Clontarf, 8.00.
Senior Men’s National Cup: Titans v North Star, Renmore Community Centre, 7.00; Portlaoise v Team Loftus Recycling Ballina, St. Mary’s Sports Hall, 8.00.
U-20 Men’s National Cup: Maree v Longford Falcons, Calasanctius College, Oranmore, 3.00; U-20 Women’s National Cup: Killester v Meteors, St. Fintan’s, Sutton, 2.45.
SUNDAY – Men’s Superleague: Ulster Elks v 11890 Killester, University of Ulster HPC, 2.30; UCC Demons v DCU Saints, Mardyke Arena, 3.15; Senior Women’s National Cup: Meteors v Foireann na Gaillimhe, Coláiste Íosagáin, 6.00; U-20 Men’s National Cup: Ballincollig v Eanna, Parochial Hall, Cork, 2.30; Swords v North Star, Alsaa, 3.00; U-20 Women’s National Cup: Mercy Coolock v Brunell, Mercy College, 3.00; Moycullen v Tralee Imperials, Kingfisher NUIG, 4.30.
MONDAY – Men’s Superleague: Moycullen v UL Eagles, NUIG, 3.00.
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