NEPTUNE have earned themselves the title of "champions elect" following consecutive victories over their main rivals in recent weeks; but their task is far from over.

By beating second-placed Star of the Sea 12 days ago and third placed St Vincent's last Saturday, Tom Wilkinson's men need only to win two of their last three games to be crowned champions again. A cursory glance at the Superleague table shows that their remaining opponents, St Paul's, Queen's and Sligo, are all struggling. But Wilkinson is doing his best to prevent his squad from becoming complacent.

It's arguable that complacency led to Neptune's cup disaster when they lost a 19-point, first-half lead against Delta.

One of the prime reasons for Neptune's post-cup revival has been the return to form of Terry Strickland, whose quiet cup semifinal performance was a major element in Neptune's capitulation against Delta.

That prompted Wilkinson to talk to his former team colleague from the great Neptune side of the mid 1980s in an effort to produce a more active role from Strickland in offence. Without Gordan Fitzgerald injured for the past two games, Neptune needed Strickland to step up and take on more of the shooting responsibilities, and the 37-year-old has done just that.

Strickland was top scorer with 26 points in the win over Star of the Sea and was joint leading scorer with Stephen McCarthy last week with 30 points in the win over St Vincent's. With the likes of Mark Scannell, Ger Galgey and Alan Kelly enjoying more court time as a result of Fitzgerald's absence Wilkinson's strength along the bench has come into its own when most needed.

Still, though, they must keep winning to be sure of the title before making the long trip north-west to Sligo in a fortnight for their last game of the season.

"I'd really like to make that journey knowing the league was ours, said Wilkinson yesterday, recalling that Sligo led them at half-time in Cork in late December.

Neptune are also away from home tomorrow when they travel to Killarney for a tricky assignment. The Kerry side are coached by former Neptune boss Jim Nugent, who will certainly know what to expect from his old club.

Effectively, if Neptune win this weekend, they will be almost sure of the title, because another victory over bottom club Queen's at the Neptune Stadium in Cork in eight days would put the issue beyond doubt.

In Division One, Dungannon's outright leadership of the campaign will be tested by promotion hopefuls St Mary's, Castleisland, in Tyrone tomorrow.

Meanwhile, an under-strength Naomh Mhuire team will find it very difficult against the leaders, Wildcats, in the big game in the Women's Division One. Mhuire will again be without the injured June Blount, while injuries and illness have also disrupted the training this week of Ann Marie and Ursula Kyne.

The women's Division Two trophy will be presented to Blarney in Gurranebraher on Sunday irrespective of the result against Sporting Belfast.