Star of the Sea threaten Neptune's quest for crown

BASKETBALL: Though the climax of the ESB Superleague is a couple of months away this weekend's meeting between Neptune and Star of the Sea is certain to have a major bearing on the destination of the 2003 title. Since the start of the season both clubs have been making the pace, with Neptune two points ahead of Star on the league table. Last weekend, however, Neptune slipped up against Killarney and defeat to the Belfast side could prove fatal.

Star hold a notable advantage over Neptune, which could yet be decisive if both clubs end up on equal points at the end of the season. They managed to beat Neptune away last October, and that win could yet determine the title if both clubs finish as joint leaders.

The fact Star are on court twice this weekend is also significant. If they beat Killester this evening they will start Sunday's game at home against Neptune as joint leaders for one of the crunch games of the season.

On the injury front, John Leahy is doubtful for Star with a calf muscle problem. Otherwise they are at full strength.

Neptune will be without Emmett Neville (holidays), but coach Martin Aherne is hopeful Stephen McCarthy's heel injury won't prevent him from starting.

Notre Dame, unbeaten in seven games, sit out the action this weekend. St Vincent's, who are also very much in contention, are away to Waterford tomorrow. Waterford, the league champions, are struggling badly in the league but are unlikely to make it an easy game for St Vincent's. Only one point separated the sides last October and Waterford are also on a bit of a high after beating UCD Marian last weekend - only their second win of the season.

UCD Marian and Killester are also facing crucial games at the weekend, with defeat almost certain to end their title hopes. UCD Marian are at home to Tralee Tigers on Sunday, with Killester on court twice - this evening against Star and against Tralee on Saturday. UCD Marian have released Mike Trimmer and will be signing 6ft 8in Jamie Kendrick for the weekend.

Just two games are scheduled in the women's Superleague because of the junior cup quarter-finals. Tolka Rovers are likely to pick up the points at home against Drimnagh, while the St Paul's-Glanmire tie promises to close.

FIXTURES: Men's ESB Superleague - Tonight: Killester v Star of the Sea, IWA, 8.30; UCC Demons v Limerick, Mardyke, 8.15; Tomorrow: Waterford v ITP Saints, WIT, 7.30, Killester v Tralee Tigers, IWA, 8.0; Killarney Lakers v Tolka Rovers, NEC, 9.0; Sunday: UCD Marian v Tralee Tigers, UCD, 3.15, Star of the Sea v Neptune, Maysfield, 3.15; Women's ESB Superleague - Tomorrow: Tolka Rovers v Drimnagh, Tolka, 5.30, St Paul's v Glanmire, NEC, 6.45.