But the bottom line is that the bragging rights are still key to both clubs based on Cork’s northside as Demons captain Kyle Hosford looks forward to another special night at the Dyke.

I suppose when the fixtures come out at the start of the season the Neptune fixtures is what we pencil in as nothing compares to the derby games.

Hosford was suspended for last week’s Demons loss at Killorglin but is set to return for this crucial game.

“It has been a frustrating season for us but we are not that far away despite losing many players over the years and hopefully we can drive on and get a win over our close neighbours,” added Hosford.

Paul Kelleher, despite losing the final two games in December, was recognised this week as coach of the month. He is looking to turn decent form into Superlkeague wins.

“I think we are still maturing as a team and we need a good start as Demons’ experience may stand to them in a tight game.”

It’s a weekend of derby games as the second half of the Super League begins in earnest with the all-Kerry clash between Keane’s Supervalu Killorglin and Garvey’s Tralee Warriors catching the eye.

The Warriors were pushed all the way by Neptune last weekend but found a winning formula in the closing minutes. Jordan Evans looked impressive in the offence court when he contributed 31 points but at times his defence looks suspect.

New American signing Keith Jumper is athletic but again he is prone to lax moments on defence and Tigers will need to be sharper after Neptune put 92 points on them and missed five free throws in the last minute to snatch the win.

Killorglin led Demons for three quarters that included a 21-point gap in the third period but Demons levelled it down the stretch and almost snatched it at the death.

The Killorglin American Pierre Newton is an unproven proposition still but this is a game that could have everything and with the Killorglin Sports Complex guaranteed their biggest attendance of the season it should be a memorable occasion.

In Galway, the derby meeting of Maree and Moycullen should attract another bumper crowd to Calasanctius College.

Maree have taken some big scalps this season and the reality for Moycullen is that relegation is a serious concern for coach John Cunningham.

The fact is we are bottom of the table and we need some wins and fast but, to be fair, the league this season is tight and we need a change of luck from losing close games.

The Women’s Super League teams are back in action this weekend after a two-week break, with one of the picks seeing Maxol WIT Wildcats hosting the unbeaten Courtyard Liffey Celtics in Waterford. The hosts will be aiming to keep their unbeaten home record intact against the league leaders.

Wildcats head coach Dimitris Zacharias said: “We are really looking forward to the game against Liffey. It will be a very interesting clash as we know each other well having played twice already this season. They are unbeaten, but we are unbeaten at home and will be doing everything in our power to keep it that way.

“We have been working hard and are trying to prepare in the best way possible as it’s a strange time after holidays for all teams. We are hoping that our supporters will be the sixth player for us on Saturday evening as they give us a big boost in every home game so far with their support and energy.”

Elsewhere, Pyrobel Killester will be out for revenge when they travel to Cork to face Singleton SuperValu Brunell on Sunday.

Brunell had the better of this exchange in Dublin in the opening game of the season. DCU Mercy are on the road to IT Carlow Basketball, while Ambassador UCC Glanmire will face Marble City Hawks in Kilkenny.