While the draw decrees that three Ulster clubs, from regional pairings, will reach the quarterfinals of the Nissan-sponsored Irish Senior Cup, it could be as many as five - but not six, as Pembroke Wanderers will be much too accomplished for North Down at Ards Leisure Centre tomorrow. Three Rock Rovers and Trinity, though, will need full concentration to survive the visits to Dublin of Bangor and Parkview. Set for a return to section one in Ulster, the youthful Bangor side includes Michael Harte and Scott Parker among five schools players and is directed by Ireland under18 coach Stephen Jackson. So Rovers may be stretched at times, and even if Angus Dunlop and Rick Johnson are ready to return to the squad, the sharpest of finishing may be required by Liam Canning and Gordon Elliott to ensure a last-eight place.
Even if Trinity gained a remarkable win at Banbridge, they face tough opponents in Parkview, who have been scoring well through Norman Carmichael and Stephen King at local level. But Trinity will feel more comfortable on the Belfield surface, with Michael Brett and Jason Milne leading the resistance.
Corinthians, having eliminated Lisnagarvey, should have the impetus to beat Monkstown in the all-Leinster tie at Rathdown. Yet, if the Monkstown defence were to hold Colin Stewart at bay long enough for their own attackers to strike (with Ian Allen in from the start), the outcome could be close.
Raphoe are set to keep Donegal in the field by beating RUC convincingly at Omagh, while Instonians and Annadale will be expected to prevail in the two other all-Ulster games, against Cookstown and Cliftonville, respectively.
Perhaps the most invigorating tie of the round will be in Munster, on the new pitch at Ballincollig Community School, where Belvedere will be undaunted by Harlequins' removal of Cork C of I in the previous round. Jer Casey and John Ahern are bound to be forceful figures for the home side, but Graham Todd and David Eakins can keep matters evenly balanced, with a replay a distinct possibility.
