Sport

Liffey Celtics look to overtake Women’s Premier League leaders Montenotte Hotel

Singleton SuperValu Brunell seek victory over UL Huskies to boost play-off hopes

Meagan Hoffman’s absence has hurt Courtyard Liffey Celtics’ defence but they feel ready for clash with Team Montenotte Hotel. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO
Meagan Hoffman’s absence has hurt Courtyard Liffey Celtics’ defence but they feel ready for clash with Team Montenotte Hotel. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO
Fri Feb 13 2015 - 01:00

Courtyard Liffey Celtics have vowed to step up their game in a bid of overtake Team Montenotte Hotel at the top of the Women’s Premier League. The Leixlip side’s scoring average has dropped by six points and they’ve conceded five points more per game since Meagan Hoffman was ruled out of the regulation season with torn cartilage. Team-mate and Ireland international Suzanne Maguire is looking forward to the visit of the league leaders to Kildare on Saturday.

“Ailbhe O’Connor has done a great job influencing our inside play, but it has been difficult as Meagan is a great defender so we’ve had difficulty in the post. This team has considerable talent and everyone is ready and willing to up their game and further the success of this season,” she said.

Singleton SuperValu Brunell know a win over UL Huskies on Sunday keeps them in the hunt for an easier play-off draw. It would also give the Nellies the longest win streak in the league this season and head coach Kieran O’Leary is in upbeat mood.

“What we’re trying to do is avoid Glanmire,” he said. “It’s still on as Liffey have them this weekend and we’ve to play them as well. We want to progress this season and making the play-offs does that for us but the race for the league title isn’t over either.”

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UL Huskies must win to stand any chance of avoiding relegation. Killester host DCU Mercy while Meteors are looking for their first away win of the season when they play at Maxol WIT Wildcats.

Gruelling win

In the Men’s Premier League, UCC Demons point guard Kyle Hosford admits last week’s gruelling win over Travelodge Swords Thunder has taken its toll on the squad. “We have a few fellas recovering from last week, so we have to prepare right and make sure the bodies are right for Sunday.” The champions elect play DCU Saints at the Mardyke. “The focus is going to be the same as every week. We’ll be working on our game rather than focus too much on DCU.”

The league’s leading scorer takes on the league’s meanest defence when Belfast Star travel to Killester. Ricky Taylor has been averaging 26.8 points for Star while Killester’s concession of 70.2 points per game is comfortably the least in the league. UL Eagles have home games against Neptune and Swords, while Swords also play Dublin Inter in Clonsilla.