If it's surprise results you are after then check out this weekend's first round games in the ESB Cup. Gone are defending champions Killester, cup specialists Notre Dame and league leaders Killarney and UCD Marian. Still in are a struggling Sligo, a revitalised Neptune, and a somewhat fortunate Tralee. The only side left from last year's semi-finals stage are Waterford.
Killester fell heavily 92-68 to Neptune in a game played at a furious pace from the start. Neptune turned a five-point deficit after the first quarter into a half-time lead of 43-39 and then pressed ahead.
Kenny Gamble was outstanding for Neptune and finished with a game high of 30 points, 13 rebounds and three spectacular blocks. He was well supported by Charron Watson on 27 points and 17 rebounds.
The next shock came with Sligo's 116-103 win over UCD Marian. Still without a league win to their name, Sligo lifted their game beyond all expectations with the likes of Greg Bursten and French point guard Yann Fontenou unstoppable.
In Castlebar, non-Superleague Ballina produced another unforgettable cup match but eventually came up just short to Tralee, falling 103-91. Tralee had Rik Leonard to thank for his 15-point contribution in over-time.
