Sport

Demons slight favourites as they visit Killester for top-of-the-table Premier League showdown

Bord Gáis Neptune coach Mark Scannell will be hoping for victory against in-form Dublin Inter in Cork if they are to stay in touch with high-flier Demons and Killester, who meet at Clontarf’s IWA Centre. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho
Bord Gáis Neptune coach Mark Scannell will be hoping for victory against in-form Dublin Inter in Cork if they are to stay in touch with high-flier Demons and Killester, who meet at Clontarf’s IWA Centre. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho
Cian Nihill
Fri Dec 13 2013 - 01:00

Clontarf’s IWA Centre is the setting for the season’s most anticipated clash as undefeated Killester host title favourites C&S UCC Demons in the men’s Premier League.

With both teams two games clear of their closest challengers, tomorrow night’s encounter will go a long way to deciding who will lift the title come March.

Despite being on the road, Demons are slight favourites, having won their games this season by an average of 24 points, in comparison to Killester’s average margin of 14.

Another telling stat is Killester’s propensity for turnovers, committing 19 a game, making them the second worst in the league in that category. Demons thrive off turnovers and in the tight confines of the IWA will seek to exploit this.

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However, Killester’s sheer talent will make this one a tight contest and led by the astute Jonathan Grennell from the side-lines, Demons will need to be at their very best to win.

The game is being streamed live with commentary and analysis on Killester.com.

Elsewhere, defending champions UL Eagles and Bord Gáis Neptune will need to record victories to keep in touch with Demons and Killester.

Eagles travel to Dublin for a first meeting with league newcomers Templeogue, while Neptune host in-form Dublin Inter in Cork.

SSE Renewables Moycullen host DCU Saints, while UCD Marian venture north to face Belfast Star in Sunday’s sole men’s Premier League fixture.

The weekend also sees plenty of top quality action in the women’s Premier League, beginning on Friday night when second placed WIT Wildcats play defeated cup finalists from a season ago, Team Montenotte Hotel in Waterford.

Both teams are the back in action Sunday as Wildcats host the defeated league finalists from last season, DCU Mercy while Team Montenotte turn their attentions to a riveting Cork derby clash with third placed Singleton SuperValu Brunell.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, defending champs UL Huskies travel to play winless Liffey Celtics while Dublin neighbours Killester and Meteors write the newest chapter in one of the great rivalries in Irish women’s basketball.