WEEKEND HOCKEY:CORINTHIANS ARE looking even more comfortable at the top of the Leinster Senior League after their 2-1 win over Pembroke last weekend (Pembroke overturned that result on Sunday for a place in the Leinster Senior Cup final on St Patrick's day against Monkstown) but face a huge challenge on Saturday when they face Glenanne in the Irish Senior Cup quarter-finals.
The last few days have not been great for a Pembroke side expected to sweep all in front of them as they drew 0-0 with YMCA in the league in a midweek match, a regular sinking ground for the top sides. That affords Corinthians a little more latitude at the top of the table. But it’s a big weekend for the Whitechurch club, which has increasingly looked like a team that can win major honours this season with their fast, high tempo brand of game. Once again the South African and South American influence of Darren Kimfley, Andrew Cronje and Lucas Piccioli will be pivotal.
Coming from behind last weekend against Pembroke and completing a rare Leinster league double over the Serpentine Avenue side should see them in good stead facing the ever dangerous Glenanne in Tallaght.
It is one of the most difficult draws for Corinthians but Glenanne will see it as a serious challenge, one that could indicate how successful their trophy hunting is going to be this season. Glenanne have won the cup in recent times while Corinthians have not and that motivating force could be a factor. Monkstown have a great opportunity to advance to the semi-finals with a home meeting with Ulster side Kilkeel at Rathdown and should go into the match with high expectations, while Three Rock Rovers, just back from their indoor trip to Europe last weekend, will have to make quick adjustments for the arrival of Lisnagarvey to Grange Road.
Avoca in the 1980s and 1990s traditionally found the weekend after a European indoor adventure a difficult adjustment and invariably a tough game in the Irish Senior Cup was the competition they came back to.
The remaining tie is an all Ulster affair with Banbridge facing Belfast’s Annadale at Havelock Park. The IHA has also opened nominations for the 2010 ESB Irish Hockey Awards. The 12 categories this year include a Hockey School of the Year title in addition to the 11 winners of 2009.
All schools, clubs and branch secretaries have been sent a link through which they can make nominations and to insure the right people are nominated, the hockey public are encouraged to contact their club or school representatives to make sure their voice is heard. Nominations close on April 19th.
SATURDAY: Irish Senior Cup quarter-finals: Banbridge v Annadale, Havelock Park 2.45pm; Monkstown v Kilkeel, Rathdown 1.30pm; Three Rock Rovers v Lisnagarvey, Grange Road 2.30pm; Glenanne v Corinthian, Glenanne Park 1.00pm.
Leinster Senior League: Division one. Railway Union v Pembroke, Park Avenue 2.45; Fingal v Clontarf, ALSAA, 2.00pm. Division two. Weston v Dublin University, Griffeen Valley Park 1.45; Avoca v Navan, Newpark 145pm.
SUNDAY: Leinster Senior League: Division one. Glenanne v YMCA, Glenanne Park 1.00.
