Jenkins shows the way

One can only wonder what Notre Dame's cup record would be without the role of Anthony Jenkins. Not for the first time, the imposing player-coach inspired his team to the final stages of the ESB Cup, and with that, keep the hopes alive for an unparalleled fifth successive title.

Saturday's 96-87 victory over Limerick may sound somewhat convincing, yet Notre Dame were simply pushed all the way. Down seven points at the end of the third quarter, the champions needed something special. Jenkins provided just that.

By the end of the final quarter, he had increased his contribution to a massive 33 points, including eight stunning three-pointers.

Up to then, the hosts appeared to have the edge. Limerick shaded the first two quarters and reached the half 48-45 in front.

But as Jenkins came more and more into the game, Notre Dame put themselves in front when it most counted and it is the Dublin team which progress to next month's final weekend.

There they will meet Dublin rivals Killester, who yesterday proved too much to handle for the league champions Neptune and comfortably prevailed 89-67.

Neptune certainly weren't helped by the early loss of Andy Meyers, but with Killester's Eric Jackson in his best form, chances are they would have struggled anyway.

Yesterday's other quarter-final saw current league leaders Waterford sneak past Tolka Rovers 9489.

The hero was Lester Hunt, who shot 26 points and helped Waterford come from a three-point deficit at the break. That sets up a highly anticipated meeting with Ballina.

The women's quarter-finals went very much to form, where Limerick as expected beat non-league Drimnagh 68-49, as did the Wildcats, the holders, against Notre Dame (84-51).