MENS HOCKEY: Glenanne go into today's Leinster Senior Cup final against Corinthians at Grange Road as slight favourites. While Corinthians have not enjoyed the season they would have liked, a favourable outcome today would put a different complexion on a frustrating year. A win would land the club their first senior trophy.
Glenanne's determination and ability to nick results is likely to be put to the test and in Colin Stewart, so long a Corinthian and now coach at St Mark's, Glenanne have a tactician who knows plenty about the opposition. Add Noel Keogh's wisdom into the equation and Glenanne should feel comfortable in yet another trophy decider.
Having missed Ciarán Bolger and John Goulding for the semi-final, Glenanne welcome back the duo in their effort to register back-to-back cup wins, something the club have not achieved before. Having beaten Pembroke in last season's semi-final, Glenanne were worthy winners over Three Rock Rovers in the final. But with James Benson impressively dominant in the Corinthian middle and Ireland's Charlie Henderson more than a handful to beat in goals, Glenanne won't find the test that simple. Corinthians also take pride in having brought through several home-grown players who can make an impression, not least Andrew Sutton and Chris Peelo.
To the underdogs' credit, they are probably tougher in defence than they have been in recent years and must be respected at set-pieces. Their corner routine has yielded a fair share of goals this season with Glenanne's discipline in defence likely to be an important factor.
In Garryduff Harlequins face Church of Ireland in the Munster Cup final. C of I hit five goals against Bandon in the semi-final, Harlequins six against Catholic Institute. With two clubs at the top of their game and containing a whole array of international players, the standard will be higher than in Dublin, the outcome less easily predicted.
TODAY - Leinster Senior Cup Final: Glenanne v Corinthians, Grange Road 2.0; Leinster Under 16 Final: Monkstown v YMCA, Grange Road 12.0; Munster Senior Cup Final: Harlequins v Church of Ireland, Garryduff 3.0.
