BASKETBALL: KILLESTER, DCU Saints, Bord Gáis Neptune and UCD Marian all secured victories this weekend in the Nivea for Men's Superleague action while Team Montenotte Hotel celebrated consecutive victories in the Women's Superleague.
Killester are making an ominous charge towards the top of the Northern Conference, after recording an impressive 80-60 victory away to UL Eagles.
Coach Darren O’Neill has been looking to stamp his mark on a Killester side that has enjoyed a period of sustained dominance under current UL coach Mark Keenan.
O’Neill believes his side are beginning to find their own unique identity, having lost a number of players who were an integral part of the club’s success over the past number of years.
“It has been a new experience for a lot of the guys this season. There have been a lot of changes in personnel.
“When you take out an intangible influence like Paddy Kelly, you have to readjust,” said O’Neill. “The team have had to do that and maybe it’s taken them a while but I think now we are getting to a place where we think we can be successful.
“I’m hoping the lads’ experience will prove decisive as we go down the final stretch.”
DCU Saints gained revenge for their cup defeat to UCC Demon’s after a 93-78 victory.
DCU Saints coach David Donnelly stated the victory was important for the team’s psychologically.
“It wasn’t about getting revenge against Demons, but nonetheless it’s a win that will give the players an extra bit of confidence. I think it’s a win that will stand to us over the course of the season.”
Elsewhere in the Superleague, Bord Gáis Neptune marginally overcame Belfast Star 99-96 after having trailed by 16 points at one stage of the match.
Neptune coach Mark Scannell believed that his side are showing the required spirit.
“They showed great character to get themselves out of a tricky position. They are showing the character that you need to show if you want to be successful.”
Finally, UCD Marian secured a morale-boosting victory over Moycullen courtesy of a final score-line of 82-67.
In the Women’s Superleague, Team Montenotte Hotel were in imperious form in defeating Liffey Celtics 107-40 on Saturday while yesterday, the Cork side travelled to Waterford Wildcats and returned home with the all the points after an impressive 84-75 victory.
DCU Mercy came out with a home victory after defeating Singleton’s SuperValu Brunell, 87-59.
It was a particularly disappointing weekend for Waterford Wildcats who were defeated 66-50 by Killester on Saturday while UL continue to set the pace in the division after a 79-35 victory over Oblate Dynamos.
FIXTURES: (Thursday December 29th). Men's Superleague – 11890 Killester v DCU Saints, IWA, 8pm. UCC Demons v Bord Gais Neptune, Mardyke Arena, 8pm.
