Men's Hockey: Two finely balanced second-leg ties - Banbridge (2) v Aer Lingus (4) and Pembroke Wanderers (2) v Lisnagarvey (2) - keep much interest alive in tomorrow's All-Ireland Championship quarter-finals.
At Havelock Park, Banbridge may well go close, through Ross McCandless, to making up the deficit incurred by the two late goals conceded last Saturday, yet Aer Lingus have the drive to score away, too - indeed, perhaps first.
It was a considerable achievement a week ago to register four goals against one of the best defences in Ulster, in which Paul Fleming was outstanding.
No doubt, David Bane will again spearhead the Aer Lingus offensive with earnest backing from such figures as Brian Gray and Andy Marshall in a side who have developed admirable teamwork.
Perhaps the effort will be all the greater tomorrow to reach the finale in Cork, which would give extra spice to the airport club's 50th anniversary celebrations.
It was a surprise last week that Pembroke managed to snatch a 2-2 draw with the cup holders, Lisnagarvey, and there will be a good deal of optimism at Serpentine Avenue that a berth can be won in the ultimate stages of the competition.
While Lisnagarvey ought to have the resources, ranging from Brian Waring to Tim Cockram, to get through, they will again find Pembroke can match them in midfield, especially with John Jermyn available.
Paddy Conlon, though, will be away at a Scottish training session, so Michael O'Connor will probably deputise up front, helping Tim Hill to place Alan Sothern in scoring positions.
There may still be scope for Lisnagarvey to attack in greater depth, possibly making the agility of Nigel Henderson the key factor in Pembroke's survival hopes.
Cork Harlequins, 3-1 up, seem set to maintain Munster's interest in the May bank holiday tournament by completing the elimination of Glenanne at Farmers Cross.
One can expect Richie Gash to provide the cutting edge for the home team, even if Glenanne, with David Shaw fully back in the fray, will fight to the final hooter, emphasising the never-say-die spirit that has been a feature of their campaign. Harlequins may still be a trifle nervous in view of their 2-1 cup defeat by the Dubliners.
Some pride will be at stake for Cork C of I as they travel to Belfast attempting to make the aggregate score respectable after Annadale's 6-0 exhibition at Garryduff.
TOMORROW: All-Ireland Championship: Quarter-finals (second leg) - Pembroke Wanderers (2) v Lisnagarvey (2), Serpentine Avenue, 2.30 (T Goode, G Caulwell); Banbridge (2) v Aer Lingus (4), Havelock Park, 2.30 (R Johnston, N Mackay); Cork Harlequins (3) v Glenanne (1), Farmers Cross, 1.0 (W McCauley, C McConkey) Annadale (6) v Cork C of I (0), Queen's, 2.30 (D Stewart, R McMinn).
