Fitness and strength-in-depth will be pivotal factors in a bumper weekend of National League as four teams will play twice in less than 24 hours in the Men's Premier League.
Killester host UCC Demons in the tie of the round. Both sides are unbeaten and expected to fight for silverware at the end of the season. The game will be streamed live on Killester’s website and Demons’ coach Colin O’Reilly is expecting a nail-biter.
“A trip to the league holders is always a challenge but we’re looking forward to it. There’s been a healthy rivalry over the last year and we’re expecting a close fought clash in front of a full house.”
Demons will need to rotate key players across the weekend as they host Swords Thunder at the Mardyke on Sunday. Thunder point guard Isaac Westbrooks is nursing a finger injury but is expected to start.
Dublin Inter host teams on either side of them in the table this weekend. First up is a National Cup dress rehearsal against UL Eagles before Belfast Star travel to Mountview on Sunday.
Star Head Coach Neal McCotter is looking for the right balance between securing a win and keeping his players fresh. “We’re targeting two wins from two this weekend but players have to be managed, especially the bigger guys.”
Star's new American recruit Ricky Taylor explains it from a player's perspective. "It'll be about rest and hydration on the Saturday night. We have a very young team and I'm hoping to lead them and teach them some things I've learned in my pro experience."
BFG Neptune are the remaining team with back-to-back games. First up will be DCU Saints in Cork tomorrow with Templeogue hoping those exploits take their toll on Neptune when the sides meet on Sunday.
