Only second place at stake

With their 10-point margin at the top of the ESB Superleague, Neptune are assured of this year's title if they beat Kerry Spring Killarney tomorrow evening. Unbeaten since the end of November, that's the outcome which the chasing teams have more or less conceded for a long while now.

In the unlikely scenario that Neptune lose in Killarney and then their remaining four games, only second-placed St Vincent's are in the position to sneak ahead, providing they can win all their remaining fixtures. They other three sides in joint second place - Denny Notre Dame, Esat Telecom Demons, and Star of the Sea - have all played an extra game.

In reality then, the only question left is how much Neptune will win by. Coach Gerry Fitzpatrick has matured and inspired the Cork side throughout season and nobody can argue over the worthiness of their record 10th title.

Elsewhere, Notre Dame will want to keep their sights on the runners-up spot when they host Dungannon at the National Arena in this evening's live TV game (TG4, 9.0). Similarly, St Vincent's will be equally eager to bring home the points from their meeting with Star of the Sea tomorrow.

There was some hope for defending women's champions Avonmore Wildcats after the current leaders, Tolka Rovers, slipped up for the first time last weekend. But the title race will definitely be concluded if Tolka can beat the Wildcats when they clash in Waterford tomorrow. A win here would assure the Dublin team of their first ever title.

Meanwhile, the 'varsities tournament, hosted by UCC, also takes place this weekend. UCD and the University of Limerick are again expected to dominate the respective men's and women's competitions.