UCD Marian News

UCD Marian start 0-2.

The 2009/10 season has gotten off to a slow start for UCD Marian. After a promising campaign last year hopes are still high that the team can turn it around and achieve some of their lofty goals for the year but a definite improvement will be needed.

The season started with an away game to local rivals DCU Saints. In the first half the team raced out to a 14 point lead thanks to good alround contributions and  solid teamwork. Unfortunately in the second half the game began to swing and Marian lost their firm grip on proceedings. With three minutes to go in the game they gave up the lead for the first time and it proved costly. A basket by Mike Trimmer with 13 seconds remaining gave Vincents the lead and although Conor Meany got a good look at a game winning shot it rimmed out and the season was off to a losing start. Coach Frank Ryan was however pleased with a number of things in the first game and hopes were still high that the team could bounce straight back with a win in Belfast against Star.

A sloppy start gave Star an early lead and although at times Marian challeneged it eventually boiled down to indiscipline and turnovers that cost the team for the second time in four days.

Understanding that the season wasnt going to be won or lost in the first week means that spirit within the camp is still high and many believe its only a matter of time before the team ,which is fitting in five new players as well as an entirely new coaching staff, starts to win games and gets in a position to win some trophies this year.

This Sunday sees the opening home game of the season in UCD at 3pm against the formidable UCC Demons who once again have started with a win. If the game can get anywhere near the level of last years playoff game in UCD between the two teams the crowd will be in store for a treat. Captain Niall MEany is calling on all club members and local fans to come out and give vocal support to the team to try and kickstart the league campaign this year "we know how much an advantage we get at home when everyone comes out and supports us so please come out on Sunday and help us get that vital first win of the year so we can push on for the rest of the year".

Hope to see you on Sunday! Tip off is at 3pm.