Panthers eye crucial first victory in Celtics clash

LIMERICK Celtics and Midlands Park Portlaoise Panthers sit ninth and tenth in the league respectively, as both teams are yet to pick up a win this season. The newly promoted Limerick Celtics travelled to FloMAX Liffey Celtics in week one, where they came away with a 77-63 loss before taking on Brunell in week two where they came out the wrong side of an 88-70 scoreline.

Portlaoise Panthers have started the season with a 22-point loss to VSC Cavan Eagles and a 26-point loss to Career Decision’s UCC Glanmire; however, head coach Ger Jago believes their first win isn’t too far way.

“Looking at the opening two games of the season, I feel that we're still settling in and still getting to know each other as a team and coaching staff. We are improving game on game despite scorelines and we're taking a lot of positives away from what we've done defensively and offensively,” said Jago.

“I feel that the squad are growing and getting closer, and I feel that our first win isn't too far away just based on the opening two games and the improvements that we've made. Limerick Celtics obviously have the bounce from coming up from Division One which always gives you a bit of energy.

“They’re a young squad with good Irish players in the Buckleys (Amy and Laura) and Sabhbh Edwards Murphy. I feel that if we can shut down their shooters, it will really help us. I feel like it's going to be a very close game this weekend just based on those two squads.”