Cork Basketball: Brunell travel to take on cup champions Killester

A fascinating weekend in the Domino’s Women’s Super League with Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell travelling to Clontarf tomorrow to face the newly crowned National Cup champions Killester.

In fairness, the Dublin side dug deepest in their magnificent cup final win over Liffey Celtics with American Samantha Haiby putting in an MVP performance with a 30-point contribution.

Brunell are probably the one team in the Super League that are underachieving and their latest loss at home to Cavan Eagles a fortnight ago set the alarm bells ringing at the northside club.

Reports from that game suggested they played poor defence coming down the stretch and in the end paid the price.

Last weekend Brunell had two teams competing in the cup finals at U18 and U20 levels. They lost the U18 to Limerick Celtics, they were successful in the U20 decider when defeating Templeogue.

It is well known in any sport that just because you are a serious talent at underage doesn’t give you the divine right to make it at the top tier.

Make no mistake Brunell have depth with proven players and the buck stops with coach Liam Culloty to find a way to get his squad motoring.

Captain Edel Thornton is slowly returning to her best but Americans Maddie Cluse and Brailyn Joseph must find consistency to make their team one to be feared in the play-offs.

Brunell have always tested Killester on their home court and make no mistake if they haven’t shaken off their cup celebrations, Brunell are the team that will test their credentials.

TARGET

Career Decisions UCC Glanmire are also on the road as they travel to play Flomax Liffey Celtics, who were defeated in the cup final by Killester.

Glanmire were impressive in disposing of Killester before their cup triumph and coach Mark Scannell will feel this is another game that they are capable of winning.

Americans Jewel Watkins and Viane Cumber are capable of mixing it with the best professionals in the league and if they find their shooting rhythm early it could derail the Kildare side.

The Glanmire stalwarts Claire O’Sullivan and Aine McKenna continue to give their all for the team and looking at this duo they still have plenty of class to offer in the top tier.

Losing a cup final is always a tough one to take and it will be interesting to see how Liffey Celtics respond against a Glanmire side who are capable of causing an upset.

Fr Mathew’s were buoyant last weekend when winning the NICC National Cup but barring a minor miracle their Super League team are destined for relegation.

Mathew’s have the comfort of home advantage tomorrow when they host St Paul’s at the Fr Mathew’s Arena.

The Cork side have a decent American duo in Laila Blair and Stacie Jones but outside of veteran Grainne Dwyer they are not getting enough of points from their young Irish players.

It will take a mighty effort from Mathew’s to get anything from this game.