Neptune and Star in final lap for title

Notre Dame's 96-106 defeat to Star of the Sea on Wednesday night rules them out of the title chase, with only two teams now vying for the Superleague trophy.

Notre Dame put forth a good challenge against Star but were outclassed by superb performances from Pat Campolieta, Charles Mason and Scott Summersgill.

Star have a tough game against Tolka Rovers this weekend, playing their former team-mates, Gabe Jackson and Kenny McFarland.

John Leahy continues to struggle with a calf injury that has hampered his performance since December, playing only five minutes against Notre Dame.

If Neptune remain unbeaten for the remainder of the season, Star have to win their final three games to take the title.

Despite their dominating presence on the league table, Neptune continue to struggle with an ever depleting bench ahead of this crucial double header weekend.

Gordon Fitzgerald was ruled out of last weekend's game with a calf injury and has since returned to Shannon.

He will not be released from duty for the remainder of the season.

The formidable duo of Charron Watson and Kenny Gamble are proving to be the team's driving force, but may have too much to contend with this weekend.

Neptune play Limerick on Friday night, a team that has improved greatly and currently on a run of five successive victories.

Once again, Cleotis Brown has proved to be the difference in the team that started the season so poorly and with home advantage this weekend, could damage Neptune's title ambitions.

Hibernian UCD Marian will influence the 2003 Superleague title-holders, playing away to Neptune this weekend and at home to Star of the Sea on the last weekend of the season.

Marian are without Neville Charles this weekend but with Barry Glover and Kevin Meaney in their current form, may well upset the form in the coming weeks.

With the top eight already decided, six teams are playing out the season for a placing close to the top.

The Men's and Women's National Championships have been confirmed for the University of Limerick on the 22 and 23 March.

The men's championship takes on a new format and will be a knockout competition, with the eighth placed team playing the first, seventh playing second etc.

With only three games remaining, Mardyke UCC Demons play Dart Killester this weekend.

Brian Clernon will be absent for the Cork club again this weekend, while Killester welcome back Jerome Westbrooks after a short trip to the United States.

Bausch & Lomb Wildcats concluded their Superleague with a 72-63 victory over Tipperary Talons this week to finish second in the competition.

Meteors' Superleague season is also complete, but have to wait for Tolka Rovers and St Paul's results in the coming weeks to secure their spot in the top four.