The main features of a varied programme over the weekend were Trinity keeping their hopes alive of retaining first-division status in Leinster, Pembroke Wanderers II emerging as the only non-Ulster side in the Irish Junior Cup semi-finals and Railway Union making a creditable debut in the European Indoor Championship.
Trinity, in beating YMCA 5-2 at Santry, played buoyantly. After being pegged back to 1-1 and 2-2, the students finished strongly as Christian Judd put David Johnston and Gareth Hinds through to make it 4-2 before Hinds, celebrating his doctorate, set up the fifth goal for Charlie Carroll.
Trinity are now just two points behind Aer Lingus and three in arrears of Railway Union with a game in hand. Avoca, losing 2-1 to Monkstown, are also a trifle vulnerable but probably will be more focused after next Saturday's Irish Senior Cup semi-final against YMCA.
The YM second XI had the temerity to take the lead through Philip Powderly in the Junior Cup quarter-final against Lisnagarvey II at Ballinteer before Alan Dowd and Robbie Taylor imposed themselves on the game for a 3-1 win. Similarly, Kenny Morris directed matters in Annadale II's 52 defeat of Three Rock Rovers II at Lough Moss.
The holders, though, could be stretched by the Lisnagarvey brigade, Banbridge II (who overpowered Armagh 9-0) or indeed by Pembroke II, who ran out 7-3 away winners against Mossley II. The Dubliners led 4-0 but were pegged back to 4-3 before pulling clear. Dougie Good and Stephen Stewart may yet get consolation for the demise of the senior cup team.
Railway Union, with Paul O'Brien and the ubiquitous David Jankins to the fore, narrowly missed out on the bronze medals on the boards in Brussels. Lahti of Finland, with whom the Irish representatives had drawn 4-4 on Friday, took third place on goal difference.
The hosts Royal White Star, who beat Railway 8-4 in the final game yesterday, won the C division title from the Slovakians Palma Senkvice, who defeated Railway 4-1 on Saturday after the Irish side had beaten Northop Hall of Wales 4-3. "It was a great experience - we'll be back next year," said manager Hilary O'Reilly.
With the confirmation of Ireland's participation in the Junior (under-21) World Cup in Tasmania in October, a hearty response would be all the more appreciated to the new fund-raising scheme, Club Hockey Ireland, which was launched at a recent function to honour the game's leading administrators. The IHA treasurer Marius Gallagaher is seeking commitments of £60 per annum for five years.
