As current leaders of the ESB Superleague, Neptune head into a double-header weekend with the opportunity to build a six-point advantage at the top as the season approaches the half way stage.

With second placed Denny Notre Dame on a weekend break from the action, Neptune start their busy schedule this evening when they host St Vincent's at the Neptune Stadium in Cork (TG4, 9.0) and then on Sunday face Hibernian UCD Marian - two teams that have had disappointing starts to the league.

St Vincent's are coming off the comprehensive win over the Clare Jets last Saturday yet remain on a negative standing with four wins from nine games. The former champions see this game as vital if they are to remain in contention for one of the higher league placings.

"This is definitely a game we need to win if we're to get back up with the leaders," says coach Joey Boylan. "And I think there'll be a lot of other teams hoping we win as well to prevent Neptune's gap at the top getting any bigger."

St Vincent's have doubts about some players including John Clancy and John Kelleher. But will have Karl Donnelly back from GAA duty with Na Fianna although like last week, Boylan may well have to make another appearance on the court.

"At the moment that's looking possible all right," he says. "But we did play well last week, even though we were still down a lot of players. Neptune have been winning a lot of close games recently and that gives them confidence, and they have the home advantage as well."

UCD Marian won't savour the prospect of visiting the Neptune Stadium either. They have only three wins this season, including a run of bad luck that saw them lose four games by just one point. They will also be without the injured Anton Rico Booker who has been performing particularly well recently.

Another side performing well below expectations this season is Killester. They were third last year but are now three games without a win and like St Vincent's have only four wins. They host Tolka Rovers tonight and Waterford Crystal on Saturday and two wins here would greatly improve their position in the table.

Unfortunately for them, only six of the current Killester squad has been training this week. The injured Mike Trimmer (finger) and Paddy Kelly (knee) are most doubtful, while Mick McMahon, Mick Nolan and Simon Behan all have the flu.

Elsewhere, third placed Star of the Sea have lost American player Tim Kennedy to the Portuguese league but are satisfied that John Leahy - former foreign player of the year - is back to his best form. They travel to Burger King Limerick on Sunday with the chance to join Notre Dame in the runner-up placing.