Monkstown begin their new campaign

Four wins last week from Three Rock Rovers, Pembroke, Railway Union and Glenanne gives them a little step ahead of one of the favourites for this season, Monkstown, who had the first weekend off because UCD were not quite into stride and were afforded a postponement.

The students make their first entry to this year's campaign against YMCA at Alexandra College while a strengthened Monkstown face Railway Union at home in Rathdown their first outing.

In a serious winning sense it is year two for Monkstown, who last year were the side to beat. That they came away with just about everything bar the league title makes for an interesting second act.

Ireland's Peter Carruth, however, won't see action for 10 weeks or so as he is recovering from a broken foot. But Monkstown have the bulk of players from last season as well as a few younger names such as Jazze Henry and David Nolan, who were part of the successful Irish Junior Cup campaign.

Jamie Carr and Lee Cole were also part of the successful Irish Under-18 team that won the 'B' Division of the European Youth Championship. Monkstown's player/coach Graham Shaw was also the U18 coach. There's been a lot of success falling Shaw's way and that along with last season's silverware should feed into the Monkstown confidence. The club also have a secure looking future. Last season the unbeaten Monkstown U16 team had 14 of the St Andrews U16s, 13 of the school's U18s, 14 of their U14s and 13 of their U13s.

Monkstown should have the edge tomorrow even without Carruth’s input.