MEN'S HOCKEY: IT LOOKS like a soft enough start to the season for Glenanne, who face Suttonians in the first round of this weekend's Neville Cup. But Three Rock Rovers' visit to YMCA at Alexandra College will present a stern test for both sides and will be a useful run out before the league begins proper.
In a number of the clubs international players will be concentrating on staying fit for the World Cup qualifiers, which take place in Argentina from November 14th to 22nd.
Ireland are in a group with hosts Argentina, USA, Chile, Czech Republic and Belgium.
There are three World Cup Qualifying events taking place at various venues, with only the winners of each tournament earning a ticket to the FIH World Cup in New Delhi next year. Ireland have not qualified for a World Cup in 20 years.
To show how seriously top seeds and four times World Cup winners Pakistan are taking their qualification tournament in France, where they are in with the hosts, Poland, Russia, and Japan, they will play eight matches in Europe prior to the competition.
Ireland are currently ranked 18th in the world and have recently beaten Chile (27th), Argentina (10th) and the USA (19th), although, Belgium have twice beaten Ireland in recent times in practice matches.
FIXTURES: Saturday: Neville Cup: Round One: UCD v Fingal, 1pm Belfield; Glenanne v Suttonians, 2pm Glenanne Park; YMCA v Three Rock Rovers, 2pm Alexandra College.
