Neptune go four points clear

Neptune's 97-91 victory over Hibernian UCD Marian yesterday secured a four-point lead at the top of the ESB Superleague.

After falling to St Vincent's on Friday night, it seemed as if Neptune were starting to lose some of their form but they never gave the visitors any chance of getting the two points.

Rasuel McKune once again spearheaded their scoring with a superb 31 points, 18 rebounds and six blocked shots. At one stage Neptune led by 20 points and it was only after they backed off slightly that Marian were able to make the scoreline more respectable.

In fact, after five impressive three-pointers in succession and Neptune's Ricardo Leonard being fouled out, Marian closed down to just three points. However, the consistent free-throwing of Stephen McCarthy and McKune ensured Neptune were never headed.

Elsewhere, Star of the Sea took advantage of Denny Notre Dame's free weekend by joining them in the runner-up spot with their 9484 win over Burger King Limerick. Despite trailing by six points at half-time, Star were never truly pushed for the victory and were significantly aided by the impressive displays from John Leahy, Garret McGuire and Scott Summersville.

After losing their last five outings, Killester also picked up a much-needed two points yesterday from their meeting with Waterford Crystal. They had worked hard for an early advantage through Dave Weaver and Paddy Kelly yet Waterford clawed their way into the lead for the first time with just five minutes remaining.

Desperate for the points, Killester managed to produce a late run of attacks and came out winners 85-74.

A surprise result on Saturday saw Esat Telecom Demons drop further down the table following their 64-61 defeat at the hands of Sligo Dairies. But Sligo displayed tremendous conviction with a storming first half which helped them earn only their second win.

It's all getting that bit predictable in the women's superleague at this stage as Tolka Rovers and Avonmore Snowcream Wildcats continue to influence the top of the table.

Tolka notched up their ninth win in succession with a 95-48 thrashing of Crusaders in a game that had all their 10 players on the scoreboard.

Yet there was a similar demolition job by the Wildcats with their 88-35 win over Meteors in Dublin which ensured they keep sole possession of second spot.