Pembroke poised for spot in Leinster semi-final

AS THE BUSINESS end of the season approaches in the Irish Hockey League (IHL) and also the Leinster Senior League, where a place in next season’s Division One is up for grabs for Avoca or Railway Union, the weekend hold promise for a few clubs.

With two rounds of the IHL remaining, Pembroke dominates Pool A with 11 points and look very good for one of the four semi-final spots on May 15th at Grange Road. Fresh from tough European competition in Rotterdam, Pembroke have a difficult meeting with Corinthian as they seek to retain their title. The Serpentine Avenue side are unbeaten in the pool with Corinthian three points behind and needing to get something out of this meeting.

Banbridge are just one point behind Corinthian on six points so it is important for the latter to keep accumulating points. Of all the Leinster sides, Corinthian will go into this match sure of their ability to take on Pembroke having beaten the champions twice in the regular league campaign. A win for Pembroke would ensure their semi-final place.

Monkstown face Banbridge with nothing to play for but pride. Beaten 6-0 by the Ulster side last season, it is now a three-horse race in Pool A. Lisnagarvey, Glenanne and Cookstown are the top-three teams in Pool B with Lisnagarvey’s visit to Glenanne Park on Saturday likely to be a defining match in the pool’s final mix. Garvey are on 10 points and Glenanne on eight and both are anxious to secure one of the four semi-final positions.

Church of Ireland and Cookstown meet in Garryduff with both sides looking to put some pressure on the top two in advance of the final round of matches. Fourth-placed Church of Ireland come into the match off the back of a 3-1 victory over Bandon last weekend.

Elsewhere, Avoca are involved in the Neville-Davin Cup final in North Kildare Club on Sunday, but more importantly they face Railway Union at Park Avenue on Saturday in a play-off for a place in next season’s Division One.

Railway Union will go into the match as favourites to retain their position in the top flight.

FIXTURES– SaturdayIHL Pool A: Pembroke v Corinthians, 3.0, Serpentine Avenue; Monkstown v Banbridge, 4.0, Rathdown; Pool B: Cork C of I v Cookstown, 3.0, Garryduff; Glenanne v Lisnagarvy, 3.0 Glenanne Park; Division one\two Playoff: Railway Union v Avoca, 2.0,Park Avenue. Sunday– IHL Pool A: Instonians v Cork Harlequins, 1.0, Shawsbridge. Pool B: Annadale v Three Rock Rovers, 2.30 Jordanstown. Neville-Davin Cup final: Avoca v Bray, 2.0; Minor Cup final: Glenanne v Fingal 12.0, both matches North Kildare Hockey Club.