Brunell hoping to build on Waterford win against Liffey Celtics
Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell coach Liam Culloty against Waterford Wildcats during the Domino's Women's Super League game at the Parochial Hall. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell will be hoping for another win in the Domino’s Women’s Super League when they travel to play Liffey Celtics.
The biggest problem for Brunell this season has been their tendency to play little or no defence, particularly in the opening quarter.
It was no different against Wildcats until they began putting a full-court press on their opponents and suddenly the pendulum swung in their direction. At times, they look a side with no plan or plays in the offence court, consistently hoping for something will happen.
Coach Liam Culloty has the best crop of Irish players in his squad and no doubt have every chance of winning the title if they could make a few adjustments. Captain Edel Thornton is a born leader who is almost back to her best following a spate of injuries and she will be a key player in this game.
Liffey Celtics have already defeated Brunell twice (once in the cup) this season at the GCU Arena and have little fear of the Leesider’s.
The Kildare side reached the cup final but were defeated by Killester and since that cup loss, they have failed to win a league game.
No doubt Brunell will be hoping that Americans Brailyn Joseph and Maddie Cluse are up for battle and if they play the type of defence required at this level they should secure a win.
Fr Mathew’s are the only Cork side at home this weekend and they entertain an ever-improving Cavan Eagles side tomorrow at the Fr Mathew’s Arena.
The Cavan side suffered a setback last weekend when they lost at St Paul’s in Killarney but they are a very dangerous side capable of mixing it with the best in their first season playing in the top tier.
Mathew’s put in a serious shift last weekend when running the cup champions Killester close although the Dublin side were down an American with Samantha Haiby sidelined.
In fairness, Mathew’s gave their all but once again, the lack of scoring from their Irish players is not helping them in this campaign though many of them are tasting Super League basketball for the first time.
Grainne Dwyer is still playing some solid basketball but it is now looking bleak for the Mathew’s side who are already looking like a side facing relegation.
Americans Laila Blair and Stacie Jones are decent professionals putting up reasonable numbers and it would be nice for the team to get the elusive win they have yearned for since last September.
The Cork side were comfortable winners against Portlaoise Panthers last weekend but before that win, they saw off Killester and Liffey Celtics.
Americans Viane Cumber and Jewel Watkins are a serious scoring duo and if they bring their A game to the table Wildcats will find it hard to restrict them.
The Wildcats Americans Sanija Brikmane and Tiarra Brown could pose Glanmire problems but surely the Cork side should have enough in this intriguing encounter.
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