Killester in charge as rivals fall

It was a big weekend for Killester and it may prove decisive in their quest for the ESB League title. Saturday's 96-74 win over Sligo has kept them two points clear at the top of the table, but equally significant was the way some of their key rivals fell further adrift.

Fresh from last weekend's cup victory, Killester ran through an overwhelmed Sligo with the sort of determination which suggests they aren't going to stop until the league title is wrapped up. John Leahy maintained his stunning form to shoot a game high of 34 points, although Sligo were always struggling and remain stuck at the other end of the table.

After that win, Killester could sit back and watch how their rivals fared. The answer was mixed. Notre Dame had appeared to be the biggest threat before the weekend but that has changed remarkably after two successive defeats. On Saturday, Neptune showed the sort of form that saw them win the league last year and handed Notre Dame a 91-85 defeat.

The Dublin club were back on court yesterday eager to make amends against UCD Marian, who are also keeping a foot in the title race. Needless to say, it was basket-to-basket throughout but the absence of the injured Anthony Jenkins perhaps proved the ultimate downfall for Notre Dame and they were edged out 98-96.

Leading 73-71 going into the final quarter, Marian were then under severe pressure until the finish. Barry and Paddy Glover maintained their narrow edge but Brandon Hughes was consistently closing down the margin for Notre Dame. Despite late chances for Hughes and Lenny McMillan, Marian just held on. Kevin Ward ended up the club's top scorer with 27 points, while Hughes picked up an amazing 40 points for Notre Dame.

That made up for Marian's unexpected loss to Star of the Sea on Saturday. In a high scoring game of little defence, Gareth McGuire inspired a 104-101 victory for the Belfast club and that leaves them part of a fourway tie for third along with Marian, Notre Dame and Waterford.

While Waterford kept their eye on the leaders with a 97-79 win over Killarney, the Saints took over sole possession of second place after Friday night's 99-68 win over Tolka Rovers. Karl Donnelly and Stephen McGuirk were in top form and even though they have played two extra games compared to the other leaders, they are still in with a shout.

Just when it appeared certain the women's league was signed and sealed, Tolka Rovers produced yet another shock result. The Wildcats may have blown them off the court in last weekend's cup final but if ever there was a time for a turnaround then this was it.

It was a remarkable display from both sides but Tolka showed slightly more bottle to prevail 75-68. Leading by just a point at the end of the half and the third quarter, Sharyn Kelly then went into scoring overdrive for Tolka and they opened the first substantial margin. When Jillian Hayes was fouled out for the Wildcats, the whole Tolka team hit the accelerator. Rachel Kelly helped build a 12-point lead and from then on they were safe.

That result has had a crucial bearing on the league table. The Wildcats are still two points clear but another slip before the end of the season would put Tolka back in a position to regain their title.