National League

Oct 22 2021

InsureMyVan.ie Super League Round 3 preview

Four teams in InsureMyVan.ie Super League aim to keep unbeaten runs as they head into round 3

It was Killester and UCD Marian who kicked off round 3 of the InsureMyVan.ie Super League yesterday evening, when they met at IWA Clontarf. Killester achieved their first win of the season, and head coach Brian O'Malley was grateful for the 106-80 victory. "When you start 0-2, there's kind of that little bit of pressure and desperation (...) the guys were really hungry to try and get that first win".

Tradehouse Central Ballincollig will be looking to make it three wins from three in their debut InsureMyVan.ie Super League campaign, as they take on NUIG Maree. Kieran O’Sullivan’s side have picked up wins over C&S Neptune and Team 360 Financial Killorglin so far. “We are very much looking forward playing in front of a full house at home for the first time, the lads are preparing hard, and we know Maree will be a big challenge, one that we are looking forward to. We have been happy with our unbeaten run, but the players know they need to improve their performance each week,” O’Sullivan said.

NUIG Maree lost at C&S Neptune last time out, head coach Charlie Crowley gave his assessment ahead of their upcoming game. “We’ve got another match against a strong Ballincollig team. We’ve seen them enough now to recognise how strong they’re going to be. They’re 2-0 against two difficult opponents. They’ve got great coaches and great players, along with the home venue, so we will need to be at our best if we’re to get something out of this game.”

“We’re quite disappointed with ourselves that we didn’t come away with the win last weekend. We did a lot of things right for three quarters, but we didn’t finish strongly and that’s ultimately what cost us. If we can improve on last week’s performance and play the right way for longer periods of time we’ll be in with a shot this weekend.”

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors are also two wins from two, having picked up an impressive 84-81 road success in Moycullen. They host C&S Neptune on Saturday, who will buoyed by their 92-78 win over NUIG Maree last time out.

C&S Neptune player/coach Colin O’Reilly feels the team are building nicely. “Our coaches Darren and Craig have spent the week going further into detail of or play and we feel we are making good improvements each week. As a group there is a nice bit of excitement after last week’s win, but we know it’s still early days in our evolution, so patience is a key for us also.”

Griffith College Templeogue, are also unbeaten, they head to De La Salle to take on Belfast Star. Belfast Star had a dramatic 73-72 win at Killester in round two, head coach Adrian Fulton gave his thoughts ahead of the test against Griffith College Templeogue. “Templeogue have started very well, despite dealing with some injuries and the loss of DJ Mitchell. It's always a massive challenge playing against such a talented and experienced side. Our games over the last few years have always been close encounters and I'm sure Saturday night will be no different. We are hoping to build on a good away win last weekend, but we will have to improve our performance if we are going to get the win.”

In the second Dublin derby of round 3, DBS Éanna host Bright DCU Saints on Saturday. Darren McGovern’s side were edged 85-82 by Griffith College Templeogue and he’s looking for a response from his players. “We are looking for a big reaction after last weekend. DCU pose a big problem inside for us, after losing Tolu (Antonio) and (Stefan) Desnica in the last two game days. I’m looking forward to a packed Colaiste Éanna on Saturday.”

Bright DCU Saints are seeking their maiden win of the campaign. “Éanna are a very strong team and well organised. We will be looking to get a better start then we did last weekend”, head coach is Gareth Winders said.

“We finished strongly against UCD Marian and were unfortunate not to get the win in the end. We have continued to improve week-on-week. Éanna are at home and coming off a loss last weekend, so no doubt their fans will want to see a good performance from them and this will add to the atmosphere of the game.”

Team 360 Financial Killorglin host Moycullen, both sides are seeking to notch their first wins of the season. Team 360 Financial Killorglin’s Declan Wall said: “Training has gone well again this week. The group are positive, as we felt the performance against Ballincollig was an improvement from week one, and felt we could have got the win, but unfortunately a few turnovers down the stretch cost us when we were ahead. This week against Moycullen poses another tough encounter, but we really feel our guys are beginning to understand what we want from them from week to week, and hopefully Saturday night can be our first win of the season and use it as a stepping stone going forward.”

Moycullen head coach John Cunningham added: “The league looks very balanced at this early stage. We’re 0-2 but could easily be 2-0. Killorglin is a unique and challenging venue and they have plenty of quality again this year. Allan Thomas is a real handful and a tough match-up for us, given our struggles with (Aaron) Calixte from Tralee last week. We’ve prepped well though and are looking forward to the game.”

InsureMyVan.ie Super League Round 3 Fixtures

Thursday 21st October

Killester v UCD Marian 19.45 (106-80)

Saturday 23rd October

Tradehouse Central Ballincollig v NUIG Maree 16.00

Belfast Star v Griffith College Templeogue 18.30

DBS Éanna v Bright DCU Saints 19.00

Team 360 Financial Killorglin v Moycullen 19.15

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors v C&S Neptune 19.30

InsureMyVan.ie Division 1 Round 3 Fixtures

Saturday 23rd October

Drogheda Wolves v LYIT Donegal 15.30

Titans v Ulster University 18.00

Limerick Celtics v Limerick Sport Eagles 19.15

Abbey Seals Dublin Lions v McGowans Tolka Rovers 19.15

Fr. Mathews v UCC Demons 19.45



InsureMyVan.ie Division 1 Round 3 preview

Click here to read our round 3 preview of the InsureMyVan.ie Division 1 National League