Waterford Crystal's 75-71 defeat over Dart Killester on Tuesday would make them favourites to take the 2002 League title with only four games remaining this season. Waterford will be difficult to beat and Tralee, their closest contenders will have to win all seven of their remaining games to take the top position. St Vincent's put a serious dent in Tralee's title aspirations with a home victory last weekend.
However, Vincent's did not come out unscathed with Mike Trimmer unlikely to feature this weekend. Trimmer took a knock from teammate Cory Dickerson and although still undergoing tests, has a suspected fractured skull. Coach Mark Keenan is considering buying in a replacement for the weekend, as he will also travel without John Clancy.
Neptune will be without Marcus Walley for the remainder of the season, who picked up an ankle injury over Christmas. Walley will be difficult to replace in Neptune's upcoming games, but Coach Martin Aherne is hoping to have Gordon Fitzgerald back in time for the Vincent's clash. After their disappointing defeat earlier this week, Killester are back in action for another tough game against Demons this weekend. Killester defeated Demons 81-89 when they met earlier this season and home advantage should be kind to the Dublin team. Demons will struggle without Mike Beckles who is still in doubt ahead of the weekend and has not trained this week. Demons are strong defensively, (keeping Marian to 48-points last weekend) but with one American will be a weak contest for Killester.
Hibernian UCD Marian are hoping for a big comeback this weekend following their low scoring defeat last weekend. They will have Trevor Smullen back for the Waterford clash after missing last weekend due to GAA commitments. In the past, Marian have responded to some devastating defeats with unexpected wins and are hoping for a similar result this weekend. Waterford came out of their Dart Killester game unscathed and will travel to Dublin with a full squad. Limerick are back in action against Sx3 Star this weekend and will travel without Robert Lynch, who has work commitments.
ESB Men's Superleague Fixtures: 23 Feb Hibernian UCD Marian v Waterford Crystal23 Feb Big Al's Notre Dame v Gleneagle Lakers23 Feb Dart Killester v Esat Business Demons23 Feb Neptune v St Vincent's23 Feb Tyrone Towers v Tolka Rovers24 Feb Sx3 Star v Burger King Limerick27 Feb Frosties Tigers v Neptune
Filed by Shane Murray
