MEN'S HOCKEY:MONKSTOWN WILL look on Fingal's visit as a relatively straightforward route into the second round of the Irish Senior Cup this weekend.
Doughty as Fingal are, the bottom of the provincial table is no place to be. Safe passage it will be if Monkstown can perform as they have done in three out of the last four competitions where they have reached the final.
But that cuts both ways as the pressure of coming so close without catching hold of the trophy will undoubtedly apply some weight to an ambitious team.
The Glenageary-based club have been cantering along quite nicely and have lost just one match, to Pembroke, who along with YMCA, occupy the top of the Leinster league table.
Pembroke, equal with YMCA on points but second on the Leinster ladder, face Clontarf at Serpentine Avenue. The home side last won the Irish title in 2009 but since then have had to manage significant changes in the team line up. Under coach Brendan Carolan this weekend should be a step for Pembroke towards the spirit of 2009.
Elsewhere, Corinthians take to the road to face NICS, while UCC will make their way to Lisnagarvey, for what will be a difficult assignment.
YMCA face a tricky visit up to Belfast, where they meet Annadale in Lough Moss, while Railway Union have a winnable meeting with South Antrim in Park Avenue but only if the Dublin club find a more steady vein of form than a win and a draw from four Leinster matches.
Seven teams will enjoy a bye to round two including last year’s winners Cookstown.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday – Irish Senior Cup – Round one: Pembroke Wanderers v Clontarf, Serpentine Avenue, 1pm; Instonians v North Down, Shaws Bridge, 1pm; Monkstown v Fingal, Rathdown, 1.30; NICS v Corinthian, NICS, 2.30; Belfast Harlequins v Kilkeel, Deramore Park, 2.30; Lisnagarvey v UCC, Hillsborough, 2.30; Annadale v YMCA, Lough Moss, 2.30; Railway Union v South Antrim, Park Avenue, 2.45; Bandon v UCD, Bandon Grammar, 3pm. Byes: Cork Church of Ireland, Cork Harlequins, Banbridge, Cookstown, Mossley, Glenanne, Three Rock Rovers.
