There is no let-up for ESB Superleague leaders Esat Telecom Demons as they head into their third consecutive double-header weekend, starting with Waterford Crystal tomorrow and then a visit to Limerick on Monday.
The Demons, however, have concerns over three key players. Joseph McKenny is still troubled by tonsillitis, Mark Cambridge is struggling with a back injury and Tim O'Halloran is laid low with flu. Four points this weekend would cement their top position, and coach Brian Burke is hoping to have at least one of the trio available.
Killester are again part of the live, televised game on TG4 this evening when Sligo Dairies visit the National Arena. Paddy Kelly is still the big injury worry for Killester as he struggles to recover from wrist and ankle injuries picked up two weeks ago, although he is hopeful of returning for tomorrow's meeting with Dungannon.
Sligo will also have to do without Paul Rigby for the second week, and he was greatly missed in last weekend's 100-74 loss in Limerick. Player-coach Deora March also had a poor game last time out and will be eager for something better here: Sligo are still in search of their second win.
Karl Donnelly will make his first start for St Vincent's when they travel to Kerry Spring Water in Killarney on Saturday. Fresh from his Dublin county football championship win with Na Fianna last Saturday, Donnelly will accompany Gerry Noone's return from injury to give Vincent's a complete squad for the first time this season.
Kerry have injury worries over two players, with captain Vince Daly still out with ankle trouble and American Terry Smith suffering a similar injury in the loss to Denny Notre Dame last week. With another demanding trip Waterford on Monday, Kerry will do well to hold on to their third place position.
Second-placed Neptune also have a difficult double-header as they travel to Sligo tomorrow and play host to Notre Dame on Monday. Ricardo Leonard came off injured against Waterford last week in what was their first loss of the season and he is now doubtful for both games. Title holders Star of the Sea continue to struggle, with just two wins from four games, and, having released Charles Jones, are now looking for a replacement ahead on their visit to Tolka Rovers on Sunday.
Avonmore Snowcream Wildcats are better fixed to retain the women's crown with just two points between them and leaders Tolka Rovers. They face old rivals Meteors tomorrow and then Killester on Monday, with the Dublin side again losing Gillian Ennis through injury.
Tolka had another comprehensive win over Meteors last weekend and will be confident of taking four points from their games against Crusaders and University of Limerick.
