Neptune can go clear

Last Friday they conquered Cork rivals Esat Telecom Demons to take up the running in the ESB Superleague, and Neptune can now move four points clear at the top should the results of this weekend's double-header go their way.

They're back at the Neptune Stadium this evening, the scene of last week's emphatic 95-66 win, and will also face the live TV cameras for the first time this season (TG4, 9.0).

Yet visitors Kerry Spring Killarney will be a far from easy challenge. Currently in a three-way tie in the runner-up spot, the Kerry side has rarely had a better start to the season.

Still, the feeling in Neptune at the moment is that this could be the year they rediscover the success that has been so elusive over the past two seasons. They were enjoying a similar league run at the Christmas break last year before a disastrous January saw them plummet down the table. But new coach Gerry Fitzpatrick appears to have assembled a far more confident and able side. Added incentive for this game is that Neptune's new American signing, Rasuel McKune, has just been named the Superleague player of the month for October. McKune came to Ireland last year to play for UCD Marian, but then moved on to Denny Notre Dame and Tralee Tigers before finishing the season most impressively with Sligo Dairies. So far he's delivered on all his potential for Neptune, averaging 25 points per game.

Killarney are still awaiting news on their appeal against Robbie Turner's one game suspension. He was cleared to play in last weekend's victory over Burger King Limerick and is likely to start this evening.

Neptune will then play host to Limerick tomorrow, and another two points there would give them eight wins from nine starts and 16 points in total. But Star of the Sea and Demons - who also share second spot - will be eager to keep that gap to a minimum when they face, respectively, St Vincent's and Killester on Sunday.

A surprise new face in the St Vincent's side last Friday was 6ft 10in American Ferdinand Williams, who arrived in Ireland hours before the tip-off with Killester, and then scored 31 points in their win over UCD Marian the following day.

The other double-header this weekend sees Notre Dame face Killester tonight and then travel to Dungannon tomorrow. That game, which will be played in nearby Omagh due to the unavailability of Dungannon's home gym, will also see a £10,000 presentation to the Omagh Fund collected from the Irish Basketball Association and Irish Schools Basketball.

The big attraction in the women's Superleague surrounds tomorrow's eagerly anticipated rematch between leaders Tolka Rovers and title holders Avonmore Snowcream Wildcats. Rovers have the two-point advantage from their previous meeting and another victory here would go a long way in securing their first title. Both teams are expected to field complete squads.

There will also be a Dublin derby on Sunday between Killester and Meteors, and both will be eager to take the points after disappointing defeats last weekend. Caroline Hanly will be missing for Killester, but her sister Ann is fit to start.