Just a formality as Killester maintain grip on title

So it's all over bar the formalities. Killester will now have to collapse beyond recognition to throw away winning this year's ESB League title after yesterday's 79-69 victory over the Demons maintained their grip at the top of the table.

And without bouncing a ball this weekend, the Wildcats took their sixth women's league title in seven years after watching Tolka Rovers fall 80-71 to the University of Limerick. It gives the Waterford club a four point lead on the table, forcing Tolka to concede the race with just two weeks remaining.

Although the die-hard Tralee supporters are still holding out hope that they can close the gap on Killester, the chance has almost certainly slipped. On Saturday, Tralee lost out to Limerick 97-90 after overtime and that means they will have to beat Killester by 19 points when they meet on March 10th - presuming that Killester lose their two games before then.

Nothing about their victory yesterday suggests that will happen. The Dubliners were in front from the start, with John Leahy yet again leading the scoring. Up 41-35 at the half, they held off the late determination of John Estick for the 10point victory.

Next weekend they face struggling Tolka Rovers and if any doubts remain about the title race then they will end there.

Elsewhere, the Saints dropped off the pace after falling 93-86 to Star of the Sea, where Kenny McFarland picked up a remarkable 31 points. They have now lost eight of their 22 games and at this stage will be looking to finish in the top eight.

That result also moved the Belfast club into second, although they have played an extra game on the three clubs behind them. Notre Dame managed to end their disappointing run to keep a hold on third place after the 94-72 win over Tyrone.

Also taking advantage of a poor weekend for Tyrone were UCD Marian, who handed them a second defeat yesterday 82-84. That followed Saturday's equally tight 109-108 win over Waterford and ensured that the Dubliners also keep a foot in the four-way tie for third.

Tolka can't have too many complaints about surrendering their women's league title. Angie McNally and Elaine Scally were both missing, and Vanessa Burke has left the team since the disappointing cup weekend.

But they still had the opportunity to take the points from the University of Limerick. Suzanne Maguire was in stunning form, Rachel Kelly worked tirelessly, but even though they trailed Limerick by just eight points at the half, Carol Fennell was particularly effective in sustaining the lead for the opposition.