Waterford looking to cut all ties

Waterford can regain the lead of the men's ESB League tomorrow evening if the trip to Cork to face Neptune proves successful. Currently part of a three-way tie at the top, Waterford have been displaying some of the most consistent form this season - a direct contrast to that of Neptune.

The defending league champions are struggling five places from the bottom, and it will take something of a miracle if they are to retain their title. The race among the leaders, however, is far from over.

A full programme of fixtures takes place this weekend after the Christmas break, and the Saints and Killester will also be looking to keep their hand on the lead. The Saints have perhaps the most difficult assignment when they face Notre Dame on Sunday afternoon, while, at the same time, Killester give Neptune their second game in three days.

The good news for Neptune coach Gerry Fitzpatrick is that Andy Meyers will return after missing the last two league games with an ankle injury. That will give Neptune a fully fit squad.

Sunday's clash of the Saints and Notre Dame has the potential to be the game of the weekend. Notre Dame are just two points behind the top three but have two games in hand. And the well-known rivalry between the two clubs will guarantee the points are hard-earned.

The Saints seem to have regained their best form after a bad run in November, but coach Joey Boylan will be missing Karl Donnelly (ankle injury) and possibly Gerry Noone. Notre Dame's only injury worry is Ciaran McEvilly.

Killester went into the Christmas break in remarkable form after they picked up three wins in four days and are now genuine title contenders. There is an injury concern over Eric Jackson. Opponents Neptune will come into the game on the back of a hard test with Waterford and that is likely to give Killester the narrow advantage.

Elsewhere, UCD Marian can move further up the table when they play host to Killarney tomorrow. They haven't lost a game since November 12th and another victory could put them within striking distance of the lead.

In the women's league, the Wildcats play host to the University of Limerick tomorrow wanting nothing less than a win to keep Tolka Rovers off their heels. Tolka face Meteors on Sunday and a win for them will ensure that the two-horse race continues for a few weeks yet.

Weekend Fixtures: Tomorrow - Neptune v Waterford (5.0, live TG4); Tralee v Tyrone (7.45), UCD Marian v Killarney (7.10); Sunday - Demons v Star of the Sea (3.0), UCD Marian v Tralee (3.30); Killester v Neptune (3.30); Waterford v Sligo (3.30), Saints v Notre Dame (3.30); Limerick v Tyrone (3.15).

Women's League: Tomorrow - Meteors v Tolka Rovers (2.0), Wildcats v University of Limerick (7.30); Sunday - Killester v Meteors (3.30).