BASKETBALL Cork derby set for Nivea For Men’s SuperLeague, Basketball Ireland Women’s SuperLeague Resumes

One of the biggest rivalries in Irish sport takes place this Friday night with UCC Demons entertaining fierce Cork rivals Neptune at the Mardyke Arena in the Nivea For Men's Superleague. Abrakebabra Tralee Tigers will be looking to get their campaign back on track at home to Belfast Star, while DART Killester are involved in their second successive Dublin derby away to UCD/Marian. UU (Ulster Elks) host DCU Saints with both sides looking to record their first win of the season with Hoops making the trip to the University of Limerick to face Limerick Lions. UCC Demons' Head Coach, Douglas Leichner, has a full quota to choose from ahead of the visit of Neptune and is relishing his first derby so early in the season. Leichner's reign on leeside got off to a positive start last weekend with an 89-78 win away to Belfast Star and the experienced US coach is looking for more of the same on Friday night.

"I am well aware of the long history between the two clubs," said Leichner. "The game will feature some very talented local Irish players as well as import players. I am looking forward to being a part of this historic rivalry. This game is great for Cork and basketball in Ireland. We must match the energy of Neptune," he added. "We can't let ourselves down after a tough win on the road in Belfast. The keys to victory are simple. We must defend, rebound and take care of the ball. If we stick to our game plan, we should have an opportunity to be successful."

Meanwhile, Neptune coach Stephen McCarthy believes his side are facing one of the favourites for the league crown this season. "It would have been good to have a couple of big games behind us before we got ready for this game," said McCarthy. "It was good to start with a win against UU (Ulster Elks) but Friday will be a stiff test and I expect them to be challenging for the top prizes this season." Neptune have a number of injury problems including Tristan Parham, who is struggling with a hamstring injury, while Paul Stapleton (knee) and Gary Walsh (ankle) are definitely ruled out.

Abrakebabra Tigers will be without Michael Quirke (GAA commitments) but are hoping Kieran Donaghy will be available for Saturday's night's meeting with Belfast Star in Tralee. Belfast Star got off to a losing start in the league and are sweating over the fitness of Scott Summersgill and Fergal Toner. "Tralee away is going to be a huge obstacle," said Star Head Coach Darren O'Neill. "We were not happy with our performance against UCC and definitely have to improve if we stand any chance of coming away with the points."

DART Killester have been boosted by the signing of Eoin McDermott ahead of their clash with UCD/Marian. The National Cup champions have secured his signature from Clondalkin Lakers but the club could be without former Neptune star, Kieran O'Brien, who is struggling with a knee injury. Paddy Kelly has also been struggling with a groin injury which has kept him out of practice but is expected to return, while Damien Sealy is available for selection after returning to the squad following his absence due to work commitments. UCD/Marian will be looking to another new signing in the shape of Michael Parker ahead of their test with DART. Limerick Lions are at full strength for their first home game of the season against a Hoops side hoping to get off the mark under their recently appointed Head Coach Ahmad Smith. "We kept it a low scoring game (against DART Killester last weekend) but we need to play together better and make a better team effort," said Smith.

"I am looking forward to getting another game under our belt and we cannot be afraid to try new things this weekend against Limerick," he added. "There are no main plans to unveil for Saturday but we do need to have a better team effort if we are going to beat Limerick." LIONS Head Coach, Sasa Punosevac, is expecting a tough clash from Hoops. "They have some very good new players and also some experienced Irish players. "Jonathan Reed is one of the best Point Guards in the country over the past two years," he added. "Hoops are a good defensive side and if they manage to restrict one of the best teams in the league to just 64 points (DART) they have to be strong opponents."
UU (Ulster Elks) are at full strength for the game with DCU Saints, who will be without the Lacey brothers (Kevin and Mike) who have travelling commitments, while Joey McGuirk remains a long term injury absentee.

Meanwhile, the Basketball Ireland Women's Superleague resumes this weekend amidst a huge sense of optimism after a hugely positive international campaign for the Ireland senior women's team. Reigning champions Team Montenotte Hotel Cork, coached by Irish Senior Women's Head Coach Mark Scannall, open their defence away to Tolka Rovers. Nodlaig Cleary and Amanda O'Regan will not be available for selection after their GAA commitments during the summer, while US star Jennifer Strong is hopeful of being available after sitting out training on Tuesday night. Tolka Rovers, who have a clean bill of health, will be looking to improve on last season's performances and will look to the experience of Eva Cunningham, a Point Guard from the US. DCU Mercy enter the season full of confidence after landing a major sponsor in the shape of the Lemongrass restaurant group and have also welcomed a host of new signings.

Former Meteors Guard Mairead Kirby, DART Guard Shauna O'Connor and US star Jill Martin, a 6ft 3 Centre from Drake University, have all joined Mercy and are expected to make their debuts on Sunday. DART Killester have a number of injury woes with Aisling Sullivan set to miss out after having a small operation in September when she arrived back from a summer of International duty. Leah Truncale, DART Killester's new American is sidelined after twisting her knee in what was a nasty preseason injury. A full strength Meteors face a tough trip away to Waterford Wildcats with Head Coach Maeve Coleman looking forward to taking on Tony Hehir's Wildcats. Wildcats have a full quota but their plans have been disrupted by the absence of Point Guard Lyndsey Hallion, who has opted for a return to the US. Cork side Churchfield LeisureWorld IONA make their debut in the top flight and open with a huge clash at home to UL Aughinish, coached by the busy Sasa Punosevac, who is also in charge of the Limerick Lions this season.