BASKETBALL: Neptune have retained their leadership of the men's ESB Superleague after a hard-fought 87-85 victory over St Vincent's. The Cork club have a two-point lead on Star of the Sea in the league, while defeat for St Vincent's has seen them slip to third. Ian O'Riordan reports.

Having trailed 25-21 after the first quarter, the Dublin club sneaked in front 43-41 at the half, and then extended that to 70-66 going into the final quarter - inspired mainly by the high-scoring Mike Chadwick. But Neptune still had a little more in the tank, with Kenny Gamble and Stephen McCarthy helping ensure they closed out the game with the higher scoring pace.

Star had it easier against UCD Marian, winning out 86-73. That result has seen UCD Marian slip further down the table after their early season consistency.

Notre Dame defeated UCC Demons 93-82 to go joint fourth. Brandon Hughes helped seal the victory in the final quarter when he hit eight from nine free throws.

Elsewhere, Killester worked hard to earn a victory over the much improved Limerick. The game was forced into overtime before Killester prevailed 111-103, but Limerick had the best chance of taking the win in regular time. With two seconds left on the clock, Killester led 95-94, before a foul on Nazareth Henry put him on the line with two free throws. Henry sunk the first basket to draw the game, but missed the second to push the game into overtime. Rodney Gidney continued a fine performance into the closing minutes and by finishing on 36-points, he secured the victory for Killester.

In the women's Superleague, there is a three-way tie for the leadership between the University of Limerick, the Wildcats and Tolka Rovers. It was Tolka who had the hardest game this weekend, before wearing down Tipperary 83-56. Glanmire also put up a reasonable fight against Killester, trailing by just four points at half-time. There was little between the sides in the third quarter, but Killester emerged with a 63-49 victory.