Rebel Wheelers need to guard against complacency if they want to reach another IWA National Cup final

There will be extra pressure on Rebel Wheelers when they play Clonsalee in the IWA National Cup semi- final at the MTU Arena tomorrow.

It will be an early 10am tip off for the Wheelers as stalwart Paul Ryan reflected on the season to date with one eye on completing a record seven in a row wins in this championship.

“Clonaslee are based in Portlaoise and have come a long way in the last 12 months bringing through a few nice young players but hopefully this game is coming too soon for them as we have great history in this championship,” Ryan said.

Looking back on the season Ryan believes the team has made great strides.

“We went to Sardinia in Italy to compete in Europe and it was all about challenging ourselves after winning six consecutive league and cup titles in Ireland,” added Paul.

The experience in Italy was superb and one that will help the club going forward.

“We had one win out of four games but in truth we were competitive in all our matches and it gave us a real sense of where we are.” Good news for basketball fans is they are bringing European basketball to Cork in April.

“We are hosting teams from Greece, England, Holland and Italy and all games will be played in Upper Glanmire Sports Complex.

“There is little doubt the we have a number of young players coming through the ranks as some of the old guard will be passing the baton on to the them in the coming years.” The Clonaslee challenge in this semi final should not be underestimated according to Ryan.

“We are expected to win but Clonaslee have a couple of new players in Michael Denidy and Michael Berry who is a Senior International and his physical power will need to be nullified.” The make- up of the Rebel Wheelers team consists of a new signing Rory Motherway from Killeagh who only recently joined ranks and looks a player for the future.

Oisin O’Connell has moved up the ranks and looks an awesome player at the tender age of 18 and all is positive within the squad.

“We basically have the same heads but Derek Hegarty hasn’t played yet this season after suffering shoulder injuries but word has it he will be back for the latter stages of the cup.” Adam Drummond is still a key figure in the squad but a league loss this season has seen the Rebel Wheelers go back to basics.

“We lost our first league game in years to South East Swifts who are in the second semi-final and it really made us work harder.

“Our training has intensified and with our bid for seven in a row league and cup titles and European games coming upon us there is no room for complacency.” The second semi final between Kilkenny based South East Swifts and have a couple of new players from Limerick Celtics who actually disbanded as they were struggling with numbers.

“South East Swifts are very talented as we found to our cost in the league defeat and they should have too much for Galway who will struggle with experience.

“A year will make a difference in this championship as teams like Clonaslee and Galway will be better opposition next season with teams are improving with experience.” First of all the Wheelers cannot afford to look further than tomorrow’s clash with Clonaslee.

“We are raging favourites to win but we will not be underestimating them as they will have their tails up to produce a shock.”