Big test for Notre Dame

There hasn't been much time for Denny Notre Dame to rest on their laurels following last Sunday's record fourth consecutive Sprite Cup. Instead, it's straight back into the concluding run of the ESB Superleague with two of their most crucial games of the season.

First up is the meeting with leaders Neptune at the National Basketball Arena tomorrow, a game they must win to keep alive any hopes of a league surprise in the final weeks of the season. And according to club chairwoman Bride Saunders, they'll be taking this one just as seriously as the cup final.

"It's a tough game for us, especially so soon after the cup, but it's also going to be tough for them," she says. "I think we had an off day when we met them in the league, but we're not going to let that happen this time. We're more confident and focused now than any other stage in the season, and everybody's looking forward to this one."

Notre Dame are then back on court Sunday to meet UCD Marian, a side enjoying some of their better league form. This evening, UCD start their weekend action in TG4's live game (9.0) also at the Arena when they face defending champions Star of the Sea, currently joint third with Notre Dame.

The other weekend game of interest features Esat Telecom Demons taking on Burger King Limerick on Sunday. Last Tuesday week, the Demons took over sole possession of second place with their 84-72 victory over Kerry Spring Killarney. More importantly, they'll want to keep up the momentum ahead of their Cork derby with Neptune the following week.

In the women's Superleague, Avonmore Snowcream Wildcats hope to carry their cup-winning form into tomorrow's meeting with Killester - a replay of their semi-final meeting last Saturday. And Tolka Rovers, still that comfortable six points clear at the top, will be eager to get back on the winning trail after their semi-final exit at the hands of Meteors in what was their first defeat of the season. They play the University of Limerick on Sunday.