BASKETBALL: KILLESTER can end 2010 with a perfect record if they can overcome a Moycullen side still looking to build on their solitary win this season in the men's SuperLeague.
Killester are runaway leaders at the top of the Northern Conference, boasting a record of nine wins out of nine, while they advanced into the last four of the National Cup with relative ease.
“Our goal at the start of the season was to repeat winning the treble,” said Killester point guard Robbie Clarke.
Despite the teams amazing run, Clarke believes there is no chance of complacency creeping into the squad. “We just take every game at a time. We haven’t really got out of third gear yet, but are still always pushing each other. There is a great competitive spirit in the team,” he said.
A major factor in Killester’s success has been the unity of purpose the team have developed, stemming from a long-standing affiliation with the club. “If you look at our squad, we’ve all grown up playing together for Killester,” said Clarke. He also heaped praise on Mark Keenan’s work as coach. “Mark knows all the players inside out. His record as a coach speaks for itself.”
Elsewhere, Belfast Star entertain a rejuvenated Neptune, while Southern Conference leaders UL Eagles take on UCD Marian.
On Sunday, Ulster Elks welcome a UCC Demons side determined to return to winning ways.
In the women’s Superleague, the game of the weekend sees UL aiming to atone for their recent National Cup loss to DCU Mercy when they welcome the Dubliners to Limerick on Sunday.
UL have been bolstered in recent weeks by the arrival of former New Zealand Olympian Natalie Taylor, while DCU have a number of injury problems with Shauna O’Connor and Emma Dyer likely to miss out.
WEEKEND FIXTURES: Tonight, women's SuperLeague: Oblate Hall Black Forge Dynamos v UL, Oblate Hall, 8.0. Saturday, men's SuperLeague: Belfast Star v Bord Gáis Neptune, De La Salle College, Anderstown, 7.15; UL Eagles v UCD Marian, UL Arena, 7.30; 11890 Killester v Moycullen, IWA Clontarf, 8.15. Division One: Team Garvey's St Mary's v Maree, Castleisland Community Centre, 4.45; Tolka Rovers v Waterford, Tolka Rovers Sports Complex, 8.0; Portlaoise v Neptune, St Mary's Sports Hall, 8.0. Women – SuperLeague: Waterford Wildcats v Team Montenotte Hotel Cork, Mercy Secondary School, 6.0; 11890 Killester v Meteors, IWA Clontarf, 6.15. Division One: Liffey Celtics v Meteors, Leixlip Amenities Centre, 4.30; Team Tom McCarthy's St Mary's v UL, Castleisland Community Centre, 7.45.
Sunday, men's SuperLeague:Ulster Elks v UCC Demons, University of Ulster HPC, 2.30. Division One: Blue Demons v Team Meadowlands St Brendan's, Mardyke Arena, 3.15; CHM Ballon v Team Loftus Recycling Ballina, Palmerstown Sports Complex, 3.30. women's SuperLeague: UL v DCU Mercy, UL Arena, 3.0. Division One: Brunell v Thurles Knights, Parochial Hall, 2.45.
