Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell face another test on Sunday at home to Killester

Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell unbeaten record in the Women’s Super League will be tested on Sunday when they host reigning champions Killester at the Parochial Hall.

Brunell have won their two opening games on the road against UCC Glanmire and Cavan Eagles but this will be a stiffer test of their credentials.

The Brunell American duo of Maddie Cluse and Brailyn Joseph have looked impressive thus far but coming up against the quality of Samantha Hailby and Audrey Roden will test their credentials.

Another plus for Brunell is they have consistently tested Killester over the years and playing on their home court for the first time this season will be expected to produce a bold showing.

The Dublin side also have good decent Irish players in Mimi Clarke, Lellani Turner and Hannah Thornton capable of hurting any side in this championship.,

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Edel Thornton has begun the season in low-key form, only chipping in with three points against UCC Glanmire and 11 against Cavan Eagles. In games of this magnitude, Thornton tends to raise her game. 

Her influence will be crucial if Brunell are to turn over the champions.

Brunell will need to get big performances on the scoring front from their Irish players Lauryn Homan, Kelly Sexton, Ava Walshe, Katie Walshe if they are to have any chance of securing the all-important win.

UCC Glanmire are still looking for their opening win of the season and they will face another true test when they host Flomax Liffey Celtics at the Mardyke Arena.

Last weekend Glanmire put in a decent first-half shift against Killester as they only trailed by the minimum at the interval.

The second half was a completely different affair as the Dublin side blew out Glanmire and in particular, the fourth quarter was a disaster for the Leesiders with Killester outscoring them 26-7.

American Viane Cumber had a disappointing game as she only tallied nine points in 31 minutes of action with her American colleague Jewel Watkins faring a little better on 17.

The Glanmire coach didn’t have Claire O’Sullivan and her experience and skills were sorely missed and she will have a key role to play in this game.

Coach Mark Scannell will be looking for bigger numbers from his Irish players and if they can put it together over four quarters, there is no reason why they cannot secure their first win of the season.

The third Cork club Catalyst Fr Mathew’s are also seeking their first win of the season and they face another test on the road when they travel to play St Paul’s in Killarney.

Mathew’s have an inexperienced side this season and lost all four quarters in their home defeat last weekend to Trinity Meteors.

New coach Jamie Barry will need more from some of his rookies with veteran Grainne Dwyer still doing the business.

Dwyer had 11 points against Meteors but the remaining six Irish players on court only chipped in with five points.

St Paul’s look a side on a mission this season and it will take a huge effort from Mathew’s to halt the slide.