UCC Demons well positioned for double

C&S UCC Demons could wrap up the men’s Premier League title with a win at home to UCD Marian on Sunday. The Cork side have extended their unbeaten streak to 19 games – their 20th win would seal the club’s second ever league and cup double if Travelodge Swords Thunder slip up.

Swords Thunder are pinning this season's hopes for silverware on the Champions Trophy, according to head coach Dave Baker. "If we don't set goals, it could take away from what we've achieved already this season," says Baker. "We could cement second place with a win over Killester and that would be huge for us."

Swords play Killester tonight and BFG Neptune on Sunday.

Neptune have given themselves an outside shot of a place in the Champion’s Trophy with wins over Templeogue and UL Eagles. Despite the upturn in form for Neptune, player-coach Ger Noonan admits the odds are high. “Those were our first back-to-back wins in a long time. We’d need Templeogue and UCD Marian to lose so it’s out of our hands really.”

Templeogue travel to Belfast Star on Sunday while DCU Saints host Dublin Inter.

DCU Mercy can secure their place in the Women’s Premier League play-offs this weekend. A win over Meteors at Coláiste Iosagáin will guarantee them fourth place with a game to spare while Meteors would have to win and then beat Brunell to sneak into the top four.

Team Montenotte Hotel are away to Maxol WIT Wildcats on Saturday. The Glanmire side are already guaranteed first place but captain Claire Rockall maintains they'll be switched on right through to the post-season.

Wildcats are without American Olivia Applewhite while co-captain Sinead Deegan is also out with an ankle injury. "We'll still relish it playing the number one team in the country," says coach Br Phil Ryan.

Killester can preserve their Premier League status with a win at Courtyard Liffey Celtics.