Two Limerick sides record victories on opening weekend of National League basketball

TWO Limerick National League basketball sides recorded opening round victories over the weekend. Limerick Celtics men's side and Limerick Sport Huskies both came away with wins in their first games of the season while Limerick Sport Eagles and Limerick Celtics women's team came up short.

In the men's Division One league Celtics came away 98-70 victors over newly promoted side Tipperary Talons. New signings Ariyon Jamal Williams and Finn Hughes stepped up to produce 56 points between them in the fixture with 11 players getting game time as well. They will enjoy another home game this weekend as they take on Galway side Moy Cullen in Crescent College at 7pm. 

Limerick Sport Eagles will be very familiar with the Moy Cullen team after coming up just short against them in their opening game during the weekend. The more experienced Galway team came away with the 82-75 win in the end. A notably impressive performance came from Eagles American Alexander Carlisle who put up 34 points on the night. Niall McDermott's side will play another Galway team in UL Arena this Saturday at 7pm when they welcome Titans. 

In the women's Division One ranks Limerick Sport Huskies have gained early bragging rights after their impressive 83-73 victory over local rivals Limerick Celtics in the first game of the season. 

Celtics were leading by three points after the second-quarter but a final push by Huskies saw them come out on top of an exciting local derby. Huskies Scout Frame is starting this season with a bang after scoring 38 points for her side, while Celtics new signing Louise Scannell impressed with 25 points of her own. 

Limerick Sport Huskies will now travel to play Oblate Dynamos this Saturday at 7:30pm as Limerick Celtics women's team welcome Cleveland Rockets to Crescent College at 4:45pm.