Unbeaten Tralee lay down marker

This may well be remembered as the weekend when Tralee laid their first serious claim on the ESB Superleague title. Saturday's 94-83 win over Killarney left them top of the table as the only unbeaten team left this season.

Jermaine Turner was the main provider even though he sat out most of the first half after receiving three fouls. But he ended up with 29 points, too much for their Kerry rivals to handle. Bill Gilligan did try hard for the opposition but Tralee refused to yield at any stage.

Neptune lost their chance to go top after falling to the Demons in the Cork derby. The visiting Demons upped their game on recent performances, with John Estick inspirational in the 88-68 victory.

There was also a surprise in the Dublin derby between Tolka Rovers and UCD Marian as Tolka came out winners 104-97. Killester did return to form, however, with a 116-84 win over Tyrone.

For the first half Tyrone looked like they might just pick up their first victory of the season, but Killester soon took over. Tyrone's defence withered and Killester outscored the away team 38-19 in the third period, with Chris Davis putting in an outstanding performance, with Eric Jackson in support.

St Vincent's took early control in their 109-98 win over Notre Dame yesterday. Mike Trimmer is certainly doing the business for Vincent's and with Cory Dickerson also in form, the home side were never troubled.

In the women's league there was a typically close game between Tolka Rovers and the Wildcats, with never more than four points separating the sides. As close as it was, the final basket fell to the Wildcats and they took the 78-77 win.

Results in SPORTS ROUND-UP