Referees under fire

BASKETBALL: The issue of refereeing standards has resurfaced as the main talking point in Irish basketball this week, with several clubs making their sentiments known both publicly and privately.

Killester, for example, will today lodge a protest with the Irish Basketball Association (IBA) following their defeat to Star of the Sea last weekend.

Though the exact wording of that protest remains unclear, it is known that the Dublin club was infuriated with many of the refereeing decisions that went against them in the game, decisions which they say were in clear breach of certain IBA rules.

The result will not be overturned, but Killester are clearly eager to get some clarification on the enforcement of certain rules. The IBA, however, are aware of the frustrations that currently exist in several clubs like Killester as the issue has frequently raised its head in recent years.

There is likely to be some response from the IBA on the matter, but how quickly that trickles down to the overall refereeing standards remains to be seen. Whatever rules are to be highlighted by Killester will also be sure of getting more attention in the coming weeks.

Back on court Killester also fall under the spotlight this weekend as they face current Superleague contenders Neptune. Though Star of the Sea moved ahead of Neptune after last weekend's tightly fought win, the Cork club have far from abandoned their title aspirations and will be particularly eager to take the winning points in Sunday's home game.

On the international front, the Irish senior men conclude their European Championship semi-final round with two games next week - at home to Cyprus next Wednesday (at the Mardyke Arena in Cork), and then away to Bosnia the following Saturday.

Though qualification for the European finals is now well beyond the Irish, coach Gerry Fitzpatrick is intent on ending the campaign on a high note.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Men's ESB Superleague - Tomorrow: UCD Marian v UCC Demons (UCD, 7.10); Limerick v Tolka Rovers (UL, 7.30); Notre Dame v ITP Saints (ESB Arena, 8.0); Tralee Tigers v Waterford (Tralee SC, 8.0); Star of the Sea v Killarney Lakers (Maysfield, 2.30); Sunday: Neptune v Killester (Neptune, 3.30); UCD Marian v ITP Saints (UCD, 3.30).

Women's ESB Superleague - Tomorrow: Meteors v Killester (Naomh Olaf, 6.45); Wildcats v Tolka Rovers (Mercy Convent, 7.0); Tipperary Talons v University of Limerick (Thurles, 8.0); Sunday: Glanmire v Drimnagh (Neptune, 1.0).