MENS HOCKEY: Although one series of league games remains to be played, Leinster's three berths in the All-Ireland quarter-finals were confirmed on Saturday. While Pembroke Wanderers have retained the provincial title, they are joined once more by Glenanne in the higher level of competition which Aer Lingus have attained for the first time.

Pembroke, welcoming Tim Lewis back to an understrength side, had sufficient reserve resources to beat doughty YMCA 2-1 at Serpentine Avenue to clinch the championship laurels and celebrate an eighth success in 12 seasons at their gala ball. Alan Sothern and Michael O'Connor scored for the home side with Robin Willis replying for YM.

Joe Brennan got a late short-corner winner for Glenanne to avenge their Mills Cup defeat by Corinthians while David Bane struck another hat-trick for Aer Lingus in a 6-5 extravaganza against Trinity.

Yesterday, though, Trinity beat Three Rock Rovers 4-1 which means the students could draw level with YM, necessitating a play-off to decide who meets UCD or Suttonians to stay in the first division. Avoca, already back in the Premier League, brought their second-division tally to 80 goals in winning 5-1 at Skerries on Saturday.