Tall imports get short shrift

BASKETBALL: The unstable nature of the Superleague became even more apparent this week as several clubs replaced imported players, who failed to live up to expectations, with relatively unknown quantities.

Take Shamrock Rovers Hoops and Star of the Sea. Neither has taken the league by storm this year, or last, so both have replaced one tall foreigner with another. Hoops released Andre Pereira to make way for 6ft 9in Will McClerkin, who had been playing in Switzerland, while Star finally signed Patrick O'Malley with Josh Nigut handed his marching orders.

O'Malley actually played with the University of Ulster-based club in a pre-season tournament but was injured. No top Irish club will sign a player carrying even a short-term injury, so O'Malley went back to the States for treatment and fit again, returns.

The back door version of the cup continues tonight with the two Cork clubs, UCC Demons and Neptune, meeting at the Mardyke Arena. Despite the 48-point hammering the Demons inflicted on their neighbours last month, the all-ticket event is expected to attract a decent crowd, as Neptune appear to have turned a corner.

It may not be enough but with captain Steven McCarthy back to full fitness, sterner resistance is expected this time.

The Superleague runs as normal this weekend with St Vincent's and Ballina meeting for a third time this season on Sunday. The Dublin club have come up agonisingly short the last two times but with Jermaine Turner now on board they could finally remove the Mayo club hoodoo.

Ballina also host Shamrock Rovers Hoops on Saturday night with former Demon Patrick Pope another example of the quick player turnover as Steven Miles misses out.

St Vincent's play Star tonight in Dublin, while on Saturday, UCD Marian entertain Killester and the Killarney Lakers visit Star.

FIXTURES: Men's Superleague: Tonight - UCC Demons v Neptune, Mardyke Arena, 8.15; Saturday - St Vincent's v Star of the Sea, ST Vincent's CBS, 7.10 ;UCD Marian v Killester, Belfield, 7.15; Ballina v Shamrock Rovers Hoops, Ballina Sports Complex, 8.0; Star of the Sea v Killarney Lakers, UUJ, 7.15. Sunday - Ballina v St Vincent's, Ballina Sports Complex, 3.30. Women's Superleague: Saturday - Meteors v Killester, St Olaf's, 6.45; Glanmire v Coolock, Little Island, 8.0. Sunday - Mustang Sally's v Drimnagh Dynamos, Presentation Killarney, 3.0.