Both defending ESB Superleague champions suffered blows to their campaigns to retain their titles when they suffered surprise defeats away from home over the weekend.

Five times women's champions Wildcats fell to Tolka Rovers, 86-71. Rovers started strongly, running up a 12-point lead without reply from Wildcats, a lead they were never to lose. The two Kellys, Sharon and Rachel, both enjoyed outstanding performances, scoring 49 out of Tolka's 86 points.

Star of the Sea made the journey to Cork to face Blue Demons who ensured that the title holders had to face the long journey home without the comfort of another win. Demons are fancied as one of the teams most likely to take the title from Star and their 71-64 defeat of the champions can only help their campaign.

Neptune continued their unbeaten run under new coach Gerry Fitzpatrick with a 65-55 defeat of Killester.

UCD Marian were once again on the wrong side of a one-point defeat, losing out in the final seconds to Killarney on Saturday night. Marian thought success was in the bag when they led by seven points with just two minutes remaining in the game but Killarney fought back and a superb basket from captain Vince Daly with eight seconds to go sealed the victory.