Super League previews: Belfast Star aiming to secure top spot with win over Killester

THREE'S A CROWD: Ballincollig’s Latavious Mitchell leaps to take a shot surrounded by Belfast Star players. Pic: Chani Anderson

The penultimate weekend of the Men’s Super League regular season could prove decisive across the standings, with battles for the title, playoff places and relegation all still in play.

League leaders Belfast Star face third-placed Killester on Saturday knowing a win would secure top spot. Star are chasing a third straight victory after wins over UCD Marian and St. Vincent’s, though Irish international Rapolas Buivydas appears set to miss the game. 

Killester, meanwhile, could move back into the top two with a victory despite seeing their four-game winning streak ended by Garvey’s Tralee Warriors last time out.

Second-placed Ballincollig will aim to protect their top-two position when they host Flexachem KCYMS, having moved ahead of Killester following wins over EJ Sligo All-Stars and UCC Demons. Latrell Jossell starred with 34 points against Demons.

At the bottom, Energywise Ireland Neptune could see relegation confirmed if they lose away to Tralee Warriors. Killorglin’s survival hopes may depend on Neptune’s result after their narrow defeat to Griffith College Éanna last time out.

The playoff race is also tight. Limerick Celtics could secure a postseason berth with a win over Éanna, while St. Vincent’s and UCD Marian meet in a key clash for fifth place. UCC Demons and EJ Sligo All-Stars also face off with both sides needing victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.

SAVIOUR: Killester's Samantha Haiby is expected to return for the weekend. Pic: Bryan Keane/Inpho

Meanwhile in the Women's Super League, the final round of regular-season fixtures takes place with the battle for top spot and playoff seeding still undecided.

Killester share first place with Utility Trust St. Pauls Killarney but hold the head-to-head advantage. They host SETU Waterford Wildcats on Saturday hoping to secure top spot, with head coach Mark Grennell expecting the return of Samantha Haiby and Ieva Bagdanaviciene. 

Wildcats arrive in strong form after four straight wins and are tied for fourth with Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell. Irish international Sarah Hickey has been a key performer, scoring 20 points or more in all but one game this season.

Brunell face Killarney on Sunday in a crucial game for both sides. Brunell are aiming to secure the final home playoff spot, while Killarney need a win to guarantee a top-two finish after losing ground following a heavy defeat to UCC Glanmire.

Glanmire, who have beaten Killarney twice this season, could still move into the top two as they travel to McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles. The promoted Eagles have already secured eighth place and their playoff berth.

Elsewhere, Trinity Meteors host Portlaoise Panthers looking to secure fifth place, while FloMAX Liffey Celtics could move into sixth with victory over relegated Catalyst Fr. Mathews, who are still searching for their first win of the season.