Saints are aiming to get back on track

Few teams in the ESB League will be as glad to see the back of November this season as the Saints. After starting out so well, they have now suffered four successive defeats and with that blown a series of chances to take over the lead.

The damage, on paper, might not appear that bad. They are currently in joint third, but Notre Dame - two points ahead of them - have two games in hand. So, too, do their other big Dublin rivals Killester, who have lost just three of their nine games..

The Saints are on court twice this weekend and the trip to Dungannon to face Tyrone Towers tomorrow couldn't have come at a better time. With just two wins to their credit, Tyrone have been struggling more than most this season and that sort of form should allow the Saints to get back on a winning trail.

Sunday's visit by Limerick won't be as comfortable a prospect. With Cleotis Brown consistently proving himself to be one of the top Americans in the league this season, Limerick have enjoyed one of their better starts in recent years. The Saints will also be missing Gerry Noone (injured) and Karl Donnelly (GAA duty) but full points this weekend would go a long way towards restoring their title ambitions.

In terms of attractive games, however, tomorrow's all-Cork meeting of Neptune and the Demons takes top billing (live TG4, 5.0). Last season, Neptune were convincing winners in the two meetings en route to the title but the tide has now turned a little bit. The Demons are two points up in joint fourth (although they have played three extra games) while Neptune have four wins and four losses.

Demons coach Dommie Mullins will be without his top Spaniard Hugo Iturralde, who has briefly returned home for personal reasons, but he does welcome back Shane Coughlan and Brian Clernon. Neptune hope to start their latest American signing Andy Meyers.