BASKETBALL:KILLESTER GOT their defence of the SuperLeague off to a positive start against Belfast Star on the opening weekend of the 2011-12 season. The Dubliners won't be getting too carried away with the 90-63 win as Star had to play without their 6ft 6in American Tyson Johnson, who still awaits clearance for his first competitive game for his new club.
“It’s a start but Star were always going to be up against it in their position,” said Killester head coach Darren O’Neill. “I was reasonably happy but next weekend against Demons should be a stiffer test.”
Neptune also capitalised on UL Eagles’ wait for their American as Mark Scannell got off to a winning start as head coach following a comprehensive 78-62 win.
Neptune’s recent signing Ron Thompson made a massive impact on his competitive debut as he contributed 28 points. The performance from the 6ft 8in Post player, who hails from New Jersey, was all the more impressive as he hasn’t played competitively in six months. Irish duo, Gary Walsh and Michael McGinn, were impressed with 12 and 10 points respectively.
Yesterday, UCC Demons made light work of their 83-60 win at home to Moycullen, while DCU Saints made a fantastic start by beating National Cup holders UCD Marian 68-61. Pat Glover’s 21 points proved the difference in a hard fought contest which was tied 32-32 at half-time.
In the women’s SuperLeague, holders UL proved too strong for Meteors, winning 74-44 and DCU Mercy saw off the challenge of Waterford Wildcats by virtue of an 68-37 scoreline.
Niamh Dwyer capped off an excellent return to Team Montenotte Hotel as last season’s beaten finalists had 19 points (59-40) over Oblate Dynamos.
The vastly experienced Irish international was named England’s top flight player of the year last year and she showed no signs of rustiness on her return to Ireland’s top league with 20 points.
Brunnell beat Liffey Celtics 80-74, while Ulster Rockets suffered a 71-62 loss away to Killester.
