BASKETBALL:BORD GÁIS Neptune have announced that former 11890 Killester star Michael Bonaparte has been drafted into the club ahead of their crucial double header with fierce rivals UCC Demons tonight and then Moycullen on Sunday.
Neptune’s head coach Mark Scannell has revealed that persistent injury problems of late to their American Ron Thompson has forced him into the decision.
“Ron has been struggling of late with injuries and we felt we needed to do something with so many big games coming up,” said Scannell.
Neptune need one win from their two games to ensure second place in the Southern Conference and home advantage in the quarter finals is sewn up.
UCC Demons can look forward to tonight’s derby clash with Neptune safe in the knowledge that the Southern Conference is already secured in advance of the play offs.
The reward is a home semi-final in the knockout stages but head coach Paul Kelleher believes there is plenty of improvement required ahead of that fixture.
“Last weekend was a productive one, but it still showed up a few weaknesses we need to get right over the next couple of weeks,” said Demons head coach Paul Kelleher.
On top of facing Neptune, Demons also welcome a UCD Marian side, who has already secured a play-off quarter-final spot, to the Mardyke Arena on Sunday.
In the Nivea Women’s SuperLeague, UL should secure the regular season at home to Team Montenotte Hotel before they travel to Ulster Rockets on Sunday.
FIXTURES
TONIGHT– Men's Superleague: UCC Demons v Bord Gais Neptune, Mardyke Arena, 19:30
SATURDAY– Men's Superleague: Bord Gáis Neptune v Moycullen, Neptune Stadium, 19:00; UL Eagles v Belfast Star, UL Arena, 19:30. Women's SuperLeague: UL v Team Montenotte Cork, UL Arena, 17:00; Ulster Rockets v 11890 Killester, DLS Anderstown, 18:30; Singleton's Super Valu Brunell v Meteors, Parochial Hall, 18:30; Oblate Dynamos v DCU Mercy, Oblate Hall, 20:00.
SUNDAY– Men's Superleague: UCC Demons v UCD Marian, Mardyke Arena, 15:15; DCU Saints v 11890 Killester, DCU Sports Complex, 15:30. Women's SuperLeague: Ulster Rockets v UL, St Patrick's College, 14:00; Singleton's Super Valu Brunell v Liffey Celtics, Parochial Hall, 14:45; Meteors v Waterford Wildcats, Coláiste Eoin/Iosagain, 15:00.
