NOTRE DAME have always proved the most difficult of opponents for Neptune who will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten record when the teams meet in the National Arena tomorrow night. Neptune are under no illusions about the task facing them.

That already difficult task could be compounded by injuries to Stephen McCarthy, who still has stitches in a head wound from last Saturday's clash with Killester, and Gordon Fitzgerald.

McCarthy is likely to play, but Fitzgerald did not train this week. Indeed, he has been told to rest completely. He may make the bench. His loss would be crucial, as he helped to turn the game in Neptune's favour last week.

Notre Dame's Anthony Jenkins is another who will occupy much of the Cork thinking about the game. "Ever since he played for Blue Demons some eight years ago, Jenkins has always, managed to score heavily against us," reflected Neptunes' Dave Cody yesterday. "He has always been troublesome and generally manages to score 35 or 40 points against us."

Notre Dame recorded their first win of the season only last week, although they were unlucky to go down in the opening game of the season after overtime to St Vincent's. Last week Jenkins amassed 46 points, while Darren McGuinness was over 30. But their joint high tally would indicate that their bench is not as strong as it might be.

Neptune, on the other hand, are highly pleased with the form of the American Mario Mullin, and Terry Strickland earned his keep with a fine performance last week.

Star of the Sea, the only other side with full points, should keep their unbeaten start intact when they entertain Queens at home.

St Vincent's, who have seen their form fluctuate wildly, will be hoping that rookie Tom Sheehy will again be in shooting form they entertain St Paul's. The Kerry side are anxious to get back to winning ways.

Killester would appear to have an easy assignment with Marian as their opponents.

Division One side Tridents have released their American import Brett Nicholls and are currently looking for a replacement in the Iberian peninsula. They will have a stern test against Tolka Rovers with the problems accentuated by the loss of Nicholls.

In the Women's League, the first of the Dublin derbies takes place with Meteors entertaining Tolka Rovers at Sandyford. Tolka will have senior international Rachel Kelly and Sharon Kelly in their line up, while the addition of schools stars Nicola and Lorraine O'Brien will add considerably to their firepower.

Champions Wildcats open their account against MSB in Waterford and the result should be a formality for the Waterford side.

After their drubbing last week, Lee Strand Tralee will be hoping to get their season back on track when they travel to play Brunell.