Neptune increase lead at the top

Neptune have jumped to a four-point advantage at the top of the ESB Superleague after completing their double-header weekend with victory over Burger King Limerick at the Neptune Stadium on Saturday.

It did, however, require an exhausting final quarter performance to see off the Limerick challenge, who were in front 4237 at the half-way stage but eventually went down by just three points on a score of 81-78.

Ricardo Leonard's 10 point haul in that period brought Neptune in front for the first time, although it was still a open game going into the last minute. Mike Norris shot Limerick back to within one point with seconds remaining but Niall O'Reilly then sealed victory with the final basket.

Title holders Star of the Sea needed extra time to see off St Vincent's when they travelled to Dublin yesterday, and this keeps them in the three-way tie for second spot along with Esat Telecom Demons and Kerry Spring Killarney.

Star had stretched to a 13 point lead by the end of the third quarter, but then paid the price for a poor finish that allowed Vincent's to level the score 82-82. John Leahy revitalised the Star team in the second quarter and then won out comfortable in the end 91-88.

The Demons also had to work hard to maintain their second spot by holding off Killester 9085. Neither side could put the game away until the final three minutes when Joe McKenny's superb three-pointer put Demons in front at the crucial point. McKenny was also top scorer with his 28 points.

The eagerly anticipated meeting in the women's Superleague between leaders Tolka Rovers and title holders Avonmore Snowcream Wildcats certainly lived up to all expectations in Waterford on Saturday with the Mercy College gym full 25 minutes before tip-off.

The Wildcats hadn't lost in their home gym in the last four years, and the pressure certainly showed in the first quarter. Jillian Hayes managed to put them 20-15 in front at that stage but Tolka then took advantage of a succession of free-throws to lead 37-34 at the break.

Catriona White kept the Wildcats hopes alive and it was level again at 50 points going into the final quarter. Sharon Kelly then played a winning role for Tolka, giving them the 71-67 win and a comfortable four-point lead on the league table.