Local derby clash between Neptune and UCC Demons to bring out the fans
Bob Stephens (left), Timmy McCarthy, Jasper McIlroy, Lennie McMillan and Greg Creagh at the 40th anniversary celebrations Team Britvic/Blue Demons during the Men's Super League between UCC Demons and Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU at the Mardyke Arena. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Energywise Ireland Neptune will be hoping to halt their great rivals UCC Demons' charge for the Men’s Super League title when the sides clash at the Neptune stadium tomorrow (6.30pm).
Demons fresh from a win over Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig will go into the game knowing that their rivals are keen to make a statement of intent with their recent new American signing Tamyrik Fields a huge plus for them.
Demons began last weekend with a trip to Galway on Friday evening and although not reaching their best form they managed to dig out a three-point win.
It is always difficult for clubs when they have to travel to games from Monday to Friday as many of their Irish players go straight from work to a bus and on many occasions it doesn’t help their performances on court.
In the Maree game, Demons were sluggish in defence and coach Danny O’Mahony ensured his team were a little better against Ballincollig.
It will be interesting to see how Neptune set up to stop the threat of Elijah Tillman, which could be vital if they are win.
One player who rolled back the years for Demons in their wins against Maree and Ballincollig was former captain Kyle Hosford, who amazingly decided to hang up his boots at the end of the last season.
When the Hannigan twins James and Scott left Neptune for Demons two years ago it shocked many at the Blackpool club but the reality is that neither were getting court time. James has got the majority of the headlines over the past two campaigns, but make no mistake Scott was the match-winner against Maree and with both back on their old stomping ground it will be interesting how they perform.
One of the Demons' most improved players is captain David Lehane, who is a solid defender and his willingness to battle at both ends of the court is testament to player who wears his heart on his sleeve.
Bosman Toby Christensen is a hard player to weight up but his performances have improved after a slow start and he is sure to have a good battle with the Neptune ace Jaksa Sola.
Neptune travelled to the capital on Bank Holiday Monday and came away with an impressive 82-76 win.
New American signing Tamyrik Fields was brought in to stop the decline chipping in with 14 points against Maree but bigger numbers will be expected against Demons.
Fellow American Chance Hunter will be delighted with his display against Maree finishing with a game-high 25 points playing the entire 40 minutes of action.
Captain Roy Downey’s minutes have diminished as he only played for 15 minutes with a five-point contribution. Puzzling really how a player who has proved it on the international stage but coach Price must feel he has artillery in other departments.
Bosman Jaksa Sola has been a disappointment throughout this campaign but he showed enough against Maree to suggest he will have something in his locker to pose Demons problems.
Darragh O’Sullivan is now playing serious minutes playing 37 against Maree but he did repay the faith coach Price has in him with a 16-point contribution.
There is little doubt the Neptune faithful will be desperate to win this game especially with the investment gone into this team this season.
Demons at their best can be very good and will go into this game as joint leaders hoping to keep the pressure on Killester.
It will be an interesting match-up and hopefully we will witness another intriguing game between the two Cork superpowers.
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