Killester set to extend Neptune

Just one week down and already Neptune have re-established themselves as the team to beat. The defending ESB-sponsored League champions kicked off in style last weekend with a 73-point thrashing of the Clare Jets. If anyone wants their title, they're going to have to wrestle for it.

Tomorrow, one of the teams who hope to do just that will get a chance to show their worth. Killester make the trip down to Cork fresh from a winning start of their own and a steal of the points here may well prove decisive in the latter stages of the league.

The man they will have to watch is Charron Watson. Neptune unveiled their new American signing to considerable effect in the win over Clare, with the 6ft 7in Watson contributing a massive 34 points. Formerly of Central Connecticut State University, he is likely to become a recurring theme in Neptune's progression through the weeks ahead.

Killester have made some useful adjustments of their own this season. Both John Leahy and Adrian Fulton, key components in Star of the Sea's title runs in recent years, made an immediate impact in the 100-92 win over Limerick, notching up 30 and 18 points respectively.

New coach Mark Ingle is still short of his strongest team. Veteran Jerome Westbrooks remains troubled by an achilles heel injury and the Neptune confrontation may have come a little too soon. Either way, it should be the game of the weekend.

Elsewhere, Notre Dame and the Saints clash this evening in another early test of form. Third last season, the Saints (formerly St Vincent's) had a closely fought win over the much improved Sligo last weekend and coach Joey Boylan will be eager for a more consistent game. Notre Dame breezed past Star of the Sea in their opener, with new American Brandon Hughes making a considerable impression on the 89-65 scoreline.

The other game of real interest takes place on Sunday when the Demons take on Star of the Sea. Both sides are also considered strong title contenders but suffered surprising defeats in the opening series of games. The points here will be hotly contested.

In the women's league, defending champions Tolka Rovers have their first outing of the season when they host the University of Limerick on Sunday. Coach Maeve Coleman has the guts of the title winning side back this season, with the return of Lorraine O'Brien and the signing of Michelle Canavan likely to add some weight to the challenge.