Ballina shock for the Saints

The first round of the ESB National Cup wouldn't be the same without some element of surprise, but the nature of this weekend's proceedings broke into new territory.

Ballina's victory over the Saints provided the almost traditional win for one of the underdogs but the late withdrawal of the Clare Jets just prior to their meeting with defending champions Notre Dame was totally unprecedented.

The Jets, citing financial troubles that now puts a major doubt over their future in the league, shocked Notre Dame with a call on Saturday morning to say that they would not be arriving at the National Arena to fulfil the fixture. So for Notre Dame, who also lead the league, the journey to the next round was easier than expected.

For the Saints, however, the fall to Ballina comes as a major disappointment. Last year they came within a basket of winning the cup and the ambitions this season were similar. But at a packed Killala venue, they were simply outplayed by an inspired Ballina - the only non-league side in the competition.

Ballina were 61-46 up at half-time and with veterans Deora Marsh and Liam McHale playing a major role, the Saints were never given an opportunity to produce the necessary response. They eventually went down 110-90 and with this sort of form, few would bet against Ballina being a factor when it comes to the finals weekend next January.

Most of the other results went more or less to league form. The Demons dismissed Star of the Sea 85-75. Neptune, their Cork counterparts, also got back to their best on Saturday when coming from behind against UCD Marian to progress on a score of 7771.

Considering they were knocked out at a similar stage last year, this was an important result for coach Gerry Fitzpatrick. But the visitors displayed all the early determination and had jumped to a 41-34 lead at the half-way stage. New American signing Charron Watson was once again the most potent force for the league champions and their stronger finish ensured them of another day out in this competition.

There was no glory for Sligo, however, who couldn't quite produce the form that has brought them some recent league points and went out to a far superior Waterford side. That game was as good as over at the half-way stage as Waterford had run up a 15 point advantage before eventually prevailing 97-83.

Disappointed with their show against Killester will be Tralee. They had experienced one of the best starts to the league and yet went out on a score of 86-66.

Meanwhile, the two games in the ESB women's league this weekend saw the University of Limerick score a narrow 59-56 win over the Meteors on Saturday, thanks to a late three pointer from Eimear Kyne, while Tolka Rovers got back to winning ways with a 66-50 victory over Killester.