Demons starting to demonstrate their potential

As the ESB Superleague heads into its sixth weekend there is still little sign of consistency at the top of the league table. While some clubs seem to have lost their early-season form, others seem to be gaining momentum. The Demons, for example, were quickly written off after the pre-season tournament and their opening games. Now a win over Tralee on Sunday could put them in pole position.

Defeating Cork rivals Neptune last weekend was the first big move of a rejuvenated Demons side. Their 19-point win over Killarney last Tuesday night will have boosted them even further. Team coach Pat Price was also reminding people this week that the club came from the bottom of the table to finish second in 1999.

Much of their good form has to do with Mike Beckles, who has scored 28 points in his last two games. Irish players Shane Coughlan, Brian Clernon and Tim O'Halloran have also been making a major impression. Tralee, their opponents this weekend, had their first loss of the season last Monday night to Waterford. With Rik Leonard still nursing a leg injury they will face a difficult challenge in Cork.

Elsewhere, Killester are still trying to find some form but the meeting with Star of the Sea should provide them with some points. With Killester player-coach Jerome Westbrooks back on court the Dubliners are starting to look more like the side that won the league and cup last season.

Sligo travel to bottom-placed Tyrone tomorrow well capable of picking up further points while Killarney will be eager to avoid another slip in their meeting with Waterford.