Clubs look for consistency

The only certain thing so far about the ESB Superleague this season is that predictions don't count for much. Right now, it appears that every team is capable of beating the other and that looks like ensuring a title-race that will come down to the wire next March.

Most games this weekend have a later tip-off on Saturday evening (something to do with another round ball game at Lansdowne Road). Top billing goes to the meeting of UCD Marian and the Demons, two of the few teams to show any sort of consistency over the opening weeks.

The Dublin club is still in second place due to extra games played, but defeat by the Demons could start a substantial slide. But they will get a minor boost before the start when Trevor Smullen is presented with his Player of the Month award for October.

The Demons went down 87-82 to Waterford on Wednesday night and will be eager to regain their early season form. Shane Coughlan is an injury worry, but they've still only lost twice this year and should handle whatever the home side throws at them.

As current league leaders, Waterford are obviously the team on a roll but they won't cherish the trip to Sligo. The westerners have won the last three in a row (as much as they won all last season) despite carrying a list of injuries, but Waterford's greater momentum is likely to win out here.

Elsewhere, Neptune can stay in the hunt by taking the points against Tyrone and Tolka Rovers can also take advantage of a struggling Star of the Sea. Tralee still fancy their chances this season but will want to bag the points against St Vincent's. The Dubliners are down some key men through injury, including Irish international Mick Richardson and John Clancy and Joey McGuirk.

The pressure is on Killarney and Killester to keep their title-runs intact, and both sides will be a little more aware of where they stand after tomorrow's meeting in Dublin.

The shifting among club coaches has also continued this week. Tolka Rovers have announced that a new coaching partnership of Gerry Byrne and Mark Kiernan has now taken over from Owen McKeon.

In the women's league, meanwhile, the Wildcats can open the first real daylight on the league table with a win over the Meteors. The Dublin club haven't experienced a good start to the season and the visit of the defending champions is likely to mark another defeat.

Glanmire have also been struggling to make an impression in what is their first season in the senior league.

The Cork club have just one victory to their credit but coach Kieran Doherty remains satisfied with how the team is adapting to the higher standard. They travel to Limerick to face the University side still with a eye on the title.