Tolka in need of two more points

This weekend's climax to the ESB Superleague has thrown up two contrasting situations. With Neptune long assured of the men's title, they can savour their last outing against Star of the Sea - the champions of last year - who travel to Cork this evening knowing that even the runners-up spot now appears beyond the Belfast side.

That game, which goes out live on TG4 (9.0), will be followed by the league presentation to Neptune. For Tolka Rovers, however, concluding their run to the women's title will require victory at the University of Limerick tomorrow. After leading the chase all season, they must now clinch a final two points in order to prevent Avonmore Snow cream Wildcats sneaking the honour at the last possible moment.

That is providing the Wildcats can also end their season on a winning note. They face a two-game conclusion, starting with Meteors tomorrow and then Killester on Sunday. If both results go their way - and Tolka lose - then the title goes back to Waterford for a record sixth time in succession.

Should both teams win - and finish level on 34 points - Tolka can still celebrate since they beat the Wildcats in three of their four meetings this season. Yet Tolka's form has been far from predictable lately and the final outcome could certainly go either way.

Also to be decided are top-eight positions in the men's league table which determines which teams go forward to next weekend's National Championship. Right now, UCD Marian hold the advantage for the last remaining spot but will need to defeat Killester on Sunday to prevent Tolka Rovers from jumping ahead of them.

The runner-up position is equally undecided after the season's 25 games and awaits the outcome of the Esat Telecom Demons' final meeting with Denny Notre Dame and Star's result against Neptune. St Vincent's, Kerry Spring and Killester are also assured of their place in the National championship.