Gavin Cummiskey

Star of the Sea came away from Cork on Saturday with a 97-87 victory over Neptune. John Leahy was the hero as it was his 30-point haul that over-shadowed the presence of Neptune sharpshooter Kenny Gamble, who finished with 24.

Last season Neptune had the last laugh when they were just too strong for Star in the race for the title. However, on this weekend's performance it looks like the Northern Conference's best bet of going all the way is the Belfast outfit.

Elsewhere, St Vincent's produced a top-drawer display when they beat the leaders of the Southern Conference, the Tralee Tigers, after overtime, 105-98. The sides were level at 85-all after normal time, but Jermaine Turner and Emmet Donnelly led the charge to record a much-needed victory for the Dublin club.

In the other Superleague ties, UCD Marian were always in control against Waterford, eventually winning on an 89-80 scoreline, while Killester completed the Northern Conference clean sweep, leaving Limerick with an 87-83 victory.

In the women's Superleague, the University of Limerick extended their unbeaten run, which dates back to November 2002, by defeating the Wildcats 62-50.

Glanmire responded well to last week's defeat to UL by beating cup semi-finalists St Paul's by 14 points. Marie Breen was outstanding in every facade of play and she also finished top scorer on 24 points.

Meanwhile, new national director of coaching Greg Gurr will be holding two clinics, the first in Gurranabraher, Cork, on January 24th and the second on the following Saturday, January 31st at the St Vincent's club in Glasnevin.

The agenda will consist of concepts, conditioning, individual defence, special situations and screens. Admission is €10 and the profit will benefit the national teams.

Details in SPORTS ROUND-UP