by Enda Walshe

It's very much game on in the Dominos Women’s Super League with only one game separating the top five. Killester and Utility Trust St Paul’s currently lead the way with eight wins each but Brunell, Glanmire and Trinity Meteors are all in hot pursuit.

The remaining playoff spots are currently occupied by Flomax Liffey Celtics, Waterford Wildcats and the improving McEvoys Cavan Eagles.

You would venture to say that only events of a catastrophic nature would deny St Pauls of a berth but the requirement to finish as high in the standings as possible remains the carrot on a stick with a home quarter-final the reward.

With seven games remaining the short trip up the newly revamped N22 to the Fr Matthew’s Arena is first on the agenda with the subsequent weekends seeing three home games, against the Cavan Eagles, Trinity Meteors and Flomax Liffey Celtics respectively.

By the time they set off on their travels again to Killester, Glanmire and Brunell, everyone will be all the wiser as to what will be required.

Surprisingly this weekend's opponents , Fr Matthews, are yet to secure a win.

Surprising for the fact that they are always a very competitive opponent and in the past have made their Arena a fortress.

But they can lean on some impressive performances if they are looking to garner some confidence.

They were very close to success in their two battles with Portlaoise Panthers while they gave the all-conquering Killester a belly full of it in their own patch back in October.

The evergreen Grainne Dwyer is still pulling her weight at this level while in Laila Blair they possess the league’s top scorer, some feat when you consider their position.

The signing of Stacie Jones in December has brought some improvement while Saidbh Fitzgerald and Tralee native Holly O'Brien wont lack for effort.

After a substandard performance against Glanmire in mid-December St Paul’s have really got back to the standards they had previously.

A hard fought win over Brunell was followed by an epic triumph over Waterford Wildcats while the Panthers win was ruthless and efficient.

Those trio of wins have helped them to the summit but they must be wary of a team looking for its maiden win.

The form of Tara Cousins, Maisie Burnham and Lovisa Hevinder has been central to their success with the trio combining for an average of nearly fifty points per game.

But the Irish contingent have certainly made their presence felt.

Lorraine Scanlon is having the season of her life, Leah McMahon improving with every outing, and back in the frame following a concussion enforced absence.

The commencement of the National Football league will mean Siofra O’Shea will again be juggling her commitments but her influence on the team has been clear.

Deirdre Geaney is offering great options for coach James Fleming and the form of Denise Dunlea is hugely encouraging.

Lynn Jones continues to show great example, something youngsters like Naoise O Connor and Clodagh O'Sullivan are tapping into.

These are the type of games you must be wary of, considering you will be well fancied.

With a trio of home games to follow thereafter, a win is a must to continue the push for honours.

Tip off in the Fr Matthews Arena is at 5pm.

Remaining Fixtures

Fr Matthews (A) Saturday January 24 5pm
McEvoys Cavan Eagles (H) Saturday January 31 4pm
Trinity Meteors (H) Saturday February 7 4pm
Flomax Liffey Celtics (H) Saturday February 14 4pm
Killester (A) Saturday February 21 5pm
UCC Glanmire (A) Sunday March 1 1.30pm
Brunell (A) Sunday March 8 2pm