Star's title hopes higher

BASKETBALL: Yesterday's meeting between Star of the Sea and Neptune was billed as the first pivotal game in the men's ESB Superleague this season and it didn't disappoint. Star emerged with a 101-93 victory, and thus gained the crucial advantage going into the closing weeks of the season.

After their away victory last October, Star were aware of how significant a home win would be and even if Neptune close the two-point deficit on the league table the Belfast side will still be crowned champions should the clubs finish level on points.

Neptune started the better, with Kenny Gamble helping them to establish a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter. But at the other end Scott Summersgill was only warming up, and offensively and defensively he caused problems for Neptune. At half-time the Belfast side were up 55-48, with John Leahy also playing a crucial role in their scoring sequences.

Going into the final quarter Star were only six points ahead, and a scoring burst from David Langrell and Stephen McCarthy helped Neptune tie the scores again at 81 with some six minutes remaining.

Two minutes later the clubs were level again on 87 points, but the three-point baskets from Summersgill and Leahy gave Star the cushion they needed to hold on for the victory - and the leadership of the league table, with 20 points to Neptune's 18.

St Vincent's kept their title hopes alive with a 94-81 win over champions Waterford, while UCD Marian pulled off a hard-earned 92-81 win over Tralee Tigers.

In the women's Superleague Drimnagh secured the most important win of the weekend, defeating Tolka Rovers 84-62. University of Limerick, however, continue to set the pace with their 66-58 win over Killester.