The two-way tie at the top of the ESB Superleague is set for a split this evening when Esat Telecom Demons host Neptune in the first Cork derby of the season.
Both teams have 10 points from their five wins but Neptune have a game in hand - plus the incentive of last weekend's Sprite Cup first round exit to inspire a winning return. Even though the Demons won their three meetings last season, including the cup tie, coach Brian Burke admits this is going to be a whole different affair.
"We may have taken the points last time but both Neptune and ourselves are totally different sides this year," he says. "They are coming off the disappointment of a cup defeat and will be hard to beat, so it should be a great encounter."
Except for the injured Stephen Hannigan, the Demons will have a full strength side and much of their attention will focus on Neptune's American standout Rasuel McKune. His 23 points in the last league win included a superb 18 rebounds and his stats have been faultless for Neptune all season. The live TG4 game tonight (9.0) sees Dungannon making the short trip to Belfast to face title holders Star of the Sea. With just three wins from five starts and an unusual mid-table position, Star can't afford any more slip ups at this stage in what will be a crucial game in getting their defence campaign back on track. They do have the outstanding John Leahy returning even if he's a little short of fitness while Dungannon will again look to new signing Brad Wedel and Irish international Trevor Smullen to lead their point scoring.
This evening's other tie sees St Vincent's return to their home gym in Glasnevin to meet Killester, who benefited from a cup bye last weekend. Point guard Mark Keenen is doubtful for Vincent's due to a groin injury and Killester will definitely be without Paddy Kelly.
As one of six teams with a double-header weekend, Vincent's are back on court tomorrow to face UCD Marion. But that doesn't compare to the exhausting trip for the Clare Jets, who travel to Belfast tomorrow night and back down to Killarney for Sunday afternoon.
Currently third-placed on the table, Kerry Spring Killarney will be without Brian Clarke for that game due to his two game suspension, while Robbie Turner is out of tomorrow's meeting with Burger King Limerick on a one game ban. Clarke is on 30 disciplinary points after picking up 14 last weekend against Waterford and Turner's disqualification against the Demons last month earned his suspension.
The appeal of Denny Notre Dame to replay their opening game against Star of the Sea was turned down this week. Notre Dame were without three key players due to a car crash en route but the National Competitions Committee decided the result would stand.
In the women's Superleague, joint leaders Tolka Rovers meet Dublin rivals Killester on Sunday, who welcome back Gillian Ennis after a four week absence. Defending champions Avonmore Snowcream Wildcats, however, appear to have the better chance of taking over the lead as they travel to Crusaders in Dublin - the only side without a win this season.
