Neptune defeat opens-up race

Just when it seemed that Neptune would again set the pace throughout the season, the fall to Waterford on Wednesday night has cast the ESB League into an unpredictable mode.

There are now just three teams unbeaten after the opening fortnight - Tralee, Notre Dame and Waterford. All three are in action this weekend and the meeting between Notre Dame and St Paul's Killarney tomorrow is the least difficult to call.

Looking their fittest and strongest in a couple of years, Notre Dame have enjoyed successive wins against two of the more competitive teams in the league this season. With their squad currently casualty free, it will require a major shock for Killarney to bring home the points from their visit to the National Arena.

Notre Dame are back on court on Sunday to face Waterford in what will be the game of the weekend. After defeating Neptune 90-79 on Wednesday, Waterford's confidence won't get much higher and they now appear genuine contenders to win the title outright.

Eric Blair and Stacey Messiah have proved to be the most useful additions this season but the man they will have to contend with is Brandon Hughes, who has been the outstanding point guard for Notre Dame so far. With home support and player-coach Anthony Jenkins performing as well as ever, the Dublin side may have the edge.

Tralee have marked their return to the league this season with two convincing victories. They meet Sligo on Sunday, whose fortunes so far have been in direct contrast. Tralee have both Vinnie Murphy and Michael Quirke involved in GAA club fixtures on Saturday but even if they are missing, they should have little trouble breaking through Sligo, who begin their double-header weekend against Limerick tomorrow.

From a Dublin point of view, the derby between UCD Marian and Tolka Rovers is particularly attractive. With the two sides level on points, this will be the first home game for UCD and for that they welcome back Berry Glover, who because of his studies, is only available for home games this season.

Also looking to pick up some points will be the Clare Jets who, with two games without a win, travel to Killester. They are hoping that new signings Michael McCarthy and Michael Singleton can spark some fire into their game but with Jerome Westbrooks back in the Killester squad, the task appears beyond them.

There are just two games in the women's league tomorrow, with title holders Tolka Rovers making the short visit to Meteors, while the University of Limerick play host to the Wildcats.