BALLINA'S mid week league defeat by the bottom super league club, Dungannon, was the worst preparation possible for their Sprite Cup quarter final against Killester tomorrow, for it brought into sharp focus the real worry of relegation.

It has been Ballina's worst campaign in over a decade and after eight consecutive league defeats since mid October, they are now joint bottom of the table along with Dungannon, four points adrift of the other super league teams.

Many of their defeats have been narrow like the 81-79 loss to the Tyrone side this week, so there is hope that a resurgence in team spirit might help to swing such results in their favour in the second half of the campaign.

In view of their dismal league form, it is surprising that Ballina have survived as far as the cup quarter final. They have won twice in the competition, including a controversial victory over serious league title challengers, St Vincent's.

However, since they introduced their Neptune signings, Tom O'Sullivan and Brendan O'Flaherty in that cup success two months ago, Ballina have failed to win again, partly because of the unavailability of the Cork based duo for most league fixtures.

"This cup game is do or die for us, said club chairman, Tim my McGrath yesterday. "If we beat Killester, it will give the team a lift not just for the cup but for the rest of the season, as we try to get out of relegation trouble."

Ballina played with flu stricken Deora Marsh against Dungannon and he could be still short of fitness on Saturday. Another worrying aspect from Wednesday's game was the small contribution of eight points from the usually prolific Liam McHale, who was fouled out with five minutes to go.

In spite of their troubles, Ballina's unpredictability is legend and as winners of the league and cup in the 1990s, their ability to turn things around is not in question. So, Killester must beware, especially in front of a big Killala crowd.

Killester are no strangers to controversy either this season and are currently the subject of a Delta appeal to the IBA's national competitions committee over their registration of Irish international, Allan Conlan, who was home from America for the Christmas and New Year period.

Conlan's 18 points in a narrow win over Delta last Saturday came just 24 hours after his registration papers were put through. Delta were unhappy with the legitimacy of the signing by their Dublin rivals and so have appealed.

However, the IBA rules appear to have been adhered to throughout the registration of Conlon and Delta are unlikely to be satisfied. Nor are they likely to benefit from their appeal against the manner of the referees' handling of a delicate situation in the final few seconds of the 97-95 loss to Killester.

With under seven seconds to go in the game, Delta led by a point following a Darren McGuinness basket and free throw. Killester in bounded the ball, but the clock failed to function. The referees only realised this after Killester's Hilliary was fowled. They estimated that four seconds had elapsed, which still left time on the clock for Scott to hit the two free throws which won the match.

One note of optimism for Killester's cause in the cup quarter final tomorrow is that they have Phil Rodgers and Tony McDonagh back after flu while they have signed 6 feet 7 inches Conor Blount, the 19 year old brother of Irish international June Blount.

Meanwhile, in the Budweiser Super League, there are interesting games on at the weekend as joint second placed St Vincent's are away to Delta, while Tralee are at home to Neptune. The leaders, Star of the Sea, should remain clear at the top of the table as they play the bottom club, Dungannon.

In the Gateaux women's league, Naomh Mhuire must defeat Metiers at Inchicore tomorrow to stay in contention for the title. Metiers easily won the corresponding fixture in Sandyford before Christmas by employing a very physical defence and they also need the victory to keep up the pressure on the outright leaders, Wildcats, who should have no trouble this weekend against Brunell.

The Waterford club have added former international squad member, Geraldine O'Flynn, to their already strong panel.