Sier paves way for Rovers

Men's Hockey: Three Rock Rovers' love affair with things Dutch continued over the weekend with a 2-0 win over Fingal.

The Grange Road side, who have developed a healthy association with the Netherlands over the years in both importing and exporting players and coaches, earned their win courtesy of two strikes from Maerten Sier.

The weekend threw up little in the way of big surprises, although Monkstown's 4-1 win over Corinthians, where Brian Groves netted two goals, will surely give the south Dublin side some impetus for the early part of the season.

Elsewhere, Glenanne were in little danger of slipping up against Bray at Glenanne Park, but nonetheless they conceded three goals in their winning effort, finally claiming the match on a 6-3 scoreline.

For the champions, that could be a little unsettling.

Letting in three goals against Bray says something of the Wicklow club's progress but also much about the early-season defence of arguably the strongest side in the country.

Their principal rivals for honours this season, Pembroke, were also in free-scoring form against YMCA at Claremont Road. Four goals, spread among three players, to just one in reply gave the Serpentine Avenue neighbours a straightforward win.

Lower down the table, it was a day of modest celebration for newly promoted Kilkenny.

Two goals from them ensured their first win in the top flight. A 2-1 win over UCD will be helpful in what is expected to be a real scramble at the bottom of the table.