Down to Rovers and Wanderers

HOCKEY THE END of season fixture between Pembroke Wanderers and Three Rock Rovers has long had a "title decider" look about …

HOCKEYTHE END of season fixture between Pembroke Wanderers and Three Rock Rovers has long had a "title decider" look about it, but it's now all but assured the game will indeed determine who succeeds Glenanne as Leinster first division champions.

Two wins out of two over the weekend moved Rovers to the top of the table, two points clear of Pembroke who have a game in hand. The first of those victories ended Glenanne's already slim hopes of retaining their title - and an emphatic 4-1 win it was too, Phelie Maguire, Colin Huet, Mitch Darling and Maarten Sier getting Rovers' goals.

It was six points out of six after yesterday's 3-0 win away to Corinthian, Darling and Sier among the goals again, Tim Hill completing the scoring.

Pembroke, though, maintained their momentum on Saturday - and their unbeaten record - when they defeated Monkstown 4-1, Alan Sothern scoring twice.

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The All-Ireland champions have three games left to play, against Fingal, Corinthian and Rovers. Three wins will do it, but two will suffice for Rovers if they can overcome Monkstown and Pembroke.

Fingal moved above Monkstown to within two points of third-placed Glenanne, having played an extra game, with a 2-0 defeat of Kilkenny, Trevor Parsons and Eamon Bane getting their goals.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times