Reigning National Cup champions 11890 Killester begin the defence of their cup crown when they make the trip to Moycullen for their quarter final clash, while UL Eagles and Bord Gais Neptune meet in a potential second round cracker.
In the Nivea For Men’s SuperLeague, UCD Marian entertain Ulster Elks and rejuvenated duo Belfast Star and DCU Saints meet in Belfast.
11890 Killester lifted last season’s National Cup in emphatic fashion at the expense of UCC Demons and their hopes of retaining that trophy begins this Saturday away to Moycullen.
The Dubliners boast a perfect record after six games in the league but they suffered a blow last week with the news that Paddy Kelly (broken collar bone) would be missing for a lengthy period, while Kieran O’Brien is likely to miss a further two weeks.
‘Moycullen will not be taken lightly even though they suffered two losses at the weekend,’ said 11890 Killester Head Coach Mark Keenan.
‘League form goes out the window in cup competition. We played Moycullen in our first game of the season and I know they are a much improved side since then. Enda is improving his side all the time. They have some great young players that are improving game by game.’
Moycullen are boosted by the return of Cian Nihill and a full strength squad as they look to inflict a major surprise on their illustrious opponents.
Nihill missed the defeat to UL Eagles last Sunday, while James Loughnane and John Cunningham were also forced to sit out the game due to injury.
‘Killester gave us a lesson in our first outing of the season so I hope we can show that we learnt something from that,’ said Moycullen Head Coach Enda Byrt. ‘There is no doubt they are the best team in the league but our spirits are fine so we will be going all out.’
Bord Gais Neptune face a difficult assignment against UL Eagles in a mouthwatering prospect at the UL Arena on Saturday night.
The winners face UCC Demons in the last eight with both sides determined to make an impact in this season’s competition.
‘We are expecting a real battle in Limerick on Saturday night,’ said Bord Gais Neptune Head Coach Pat Price.
‘We have split the two games we've played against UL Eagles in the past month, so our focus and sense of urgency must be there from the outset, as we are now well aware of the talent that Mark Bernsen has at his disposal. Both our rebounding and containing the drive will need to improve in order to stay with the Eagles.’
UL Eagles are at full strength as they look to carry their league form into this season’s premier cup competition.
'We will set aside the league action for a few days and concentrate on getting ready for the cup competition,’ said Eagles Head Coach Mark Bernsen. ‘Our league form has been solid but now we must get ready for the cup.
‘Already this season we have won and lost against Neptune and next weekend is sure to be another great game.
‘Having lost two weeks ago we are well aware of the scoring threat they have with the likes of Michael Bonaparte, Ger Noonan and Phil Taylor which we will have to defend better if we are to come out on top,’ said UL Eagles’ Welsh international Matt Hall.
‘Hopefully home court advantage will prove vital and see us coming out with a victory although I am sure it will be a very tough intense game.’
In form duo Belfast Star and DCU Saints clash in the latest series of Nivea For Men’s SuperLeague fixtures with both sides firmly fixed on reaching the play-off’s this season.
The Saints travel to Belfast with a full quota after Martins Provizors and Eoin Quill missed their side’s win away to Moycullen last weekend. Kevin Lacey enjoyed his first competitive start after bouncing back from a knee injury ahead of schedule.
‘It is nice to have some wins on the board and the confidence is now back in the team which is credit to the lads for continuing to work hard and keep the faith when things weren't going well,’ said Saints’ Irish star Emmet Donnelly.
‘Still, we're not getting carried away and we know Star will be a tough prospect this weekend having secured their first win with their new American. We lost up there last year so we know only too well how tough they can be at home.’
Scott Summersgill is a doubt as Belfast Star look to record back to back wins for the first time this season.
Star finally got their season up and running last week with new recruit Clayton Longmire contributing 32 points in their 10 point win away to UCD Marian.
‘It was great to get than win and we were unlucky not to have won the previous week against UCC Demons,’ said Star Head Coach Danny Fulton. ‘DCU Saints are a good side, have a terrific defence and some great players in the shape of Emmet Donnelly and Pat Glover.
‘Clayton Longmire has settled in really well and is an excellent person as well as a very good player,’ added Fulton. ‘The players really respect him and his arrival has given everyone a boost.’
UCD Marian have a number of injury worries ahead of their clash at home to Northern Conference rivals Ulster Elks.
The Students will definitely be without Paddy Young (torn ankle ligaments, 4-6 week lay-off) and Conor James (dislocated shoulder, 4-6 week lay-off), while Barry Glover is ruled out with a hand injury.
‘The Elks game is a significant challenge after two poor performances resulting in two losses after a good three game run,’ said UCD Head Coach Fran Ryan.
‘Elks have Barry Drumm, Kevin Foley, Ciaran McEvilly, who are capable of being starters on any SuperLeague team in the country.’
Meanwhile, Ben De La Cruz is a doubt for Ulster Elks but Conor Gallagher returns to the squad after missing last weekend’s loss to 11890 Killester.
‘This weekend’s game will be a big ask as we are not sure about the availability of Ben De La Cruz and this game is very important if we are to get back on track to contend for a playoff place,’ said Elks assistant coach Patrick O’Neill.
‘After a good team performance against Killester last weekend, we are looking to get a win off a very good UCD Marian side that are tough to beat in their home venue.’
