Home win can move Lakers closer to play-offs

BASKETBALL: The Killarney Lakers can move closer to second spot in the southern conference with victory over UCC Demons tomorrow…

BASKETBALL: The Killarney Lakers can move closer to second spot in the southern conference with victory over UCC Demons tomorrow. The Cork club have all but secured the title down south, making this fixture somewhat immaterial as they gear up for the play-offs.

But the Demons are undefeated since January 22nd, and will be keen to atone for their last defeat, which was against the Lakers. They must do so without Michael Doles, who suffered an abdominal strain during last week's victory over Neptune.

The Tralee Tigers are also hoping for an away victory, as they are four points adrift of their Kerry rivals with a game in hand. They are also seeking revenge against Neptune tonight after a one-point defeat two weeks back.

Limerick are idle this weekend.

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In the northern conference, Ballina must overcome a weakened Star of the Sea at home to clinch the title and a direct route to the semi-finals. The Ulster club are without Nate Connolly, who has returned to America.

Either Killester or St Vincent's will have a firm grip on second spot by Sunday night. The north Dublin clubs meet tomorrow in Greendale, and at present lie on 18 points apiece, although St Vincent's have a game in hand. They make this up on Sunday against UCD Marian.

Killester welcome back Damien Sealy, but must forage on without Alex Lekic, who is carrying a knee injury. John Quigley left the club this week.

UCD and Shamrock Rovers Hoops play for pride when they meet tomorrow in Belfield as the play-offs are out of reach.

The woman's quarter-finals get under way tomorrow. Killester have signed 25-year-old American Elizabeth Leonard of Bentley College, Massachusetts, to replace the injured Sue Altman. They travel to Limerick to face UL Aughinish, while St Paul's go to Waterford to try to overcome the Wildcats.

MEN'S SUPERLEAGUE - Tonight: Neptune v Tralee Tigers, Neptune Stadium, 8.15. Tomorrow: UCD Marian v Shamrock Rovers Hoops, Belfield, 7.10; Killarney Lakers v UCC Demons, Presentation, 7.30; Killester v St Vincent's, Greendale, 8.0; Ballina v Star of the Sea, Ballina SC, 6.0. Sunday: St Vincent's v UCD Marian, St Vincent's, 3.15. Woman's Quarter-finals: UL Aughinish v Killester, UL Arena, 7.0; Wildcats v St Paul's, Mercy, 7.30.

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent