BasketballWith the men's Superleague now in full flow, two teams have raised their heads above the parapet, Killester and the Tralee Tigers setting the standard in the north and south conferences respectively.
Presuming Killester came through last night's home encounter against the crisis-ridden Shamrock Rovers Hoops (zero from five so far this campaign) both these sides will head into the weekend matches on 100 per cent records and well on course to making the post-Christmas play-offs.
However, Killester, who have broken the magic 100-point mark in every game this year, have to plan Saturday's visit of Waterford without Damian Moberly, the clubs second highest points scorer on 125, after he picked up a foot injury in last week's victory over St Vincent's.
Tralee make the short journey to Cork city to face a UCC Demons side desperately searching for a second win of the season. Coach Pat Price has to stop the rot at some stage and victory over Kerry's finest would be the ideal confidence boost.
"We'll have to play very well to overcome Tralee, who have talent in every position and are playing with confidence. We must rebound well and take our shots to give ourselves a fair chance," said Price.
Ballina and St Vincent's renew a 20-year rivalry when they meet on Sunday in Dublin, with both trying to end back-to-back losing streaks. Ballina look in better shape, as St Vincent's coach Joey Boylan has to plan without the services of Simon Flynn and Shane O'Callaghan.
There is a break in the women's Superleague this weekend with the Junior National Cup taking precedence. This is a welcome lull for all accept UL Aughinish who made history last week with their 50th successive victory in competitive matches, a remarkable run that stretches over a two-year period and includes the scalp of English champions Rhonda Rebels last season.
FIXTURES: Saturday: Men's Superleague: Star of the Sea v Neptune, UU Jordanstown, 7.15 Limerick Lions v Killarney Lakers, UL Arena, 7.30 Killester v Waterford Crystal, IWA, 8.0. Sunday: Men's Superleague: St Vincent's v Ballina, St Vincent's, CBS, 3.15 UCC Demons v Tralee Tigers, Mardyke Arena, 3.15 UCD v Limerick Lions, UCD SC, 3.15.
