Terenure giving key players time to overcome injuries

TERENURE are hoping that Mark Egan can shake off a knee problem and join the pack when they line out against Lansdowne in the pick of the Leinster Senior Cup quarter-final matches at the weekend.

Although the Lakelands side have not yet named their team for Saturday's game on the back pitch at Lansdowne Road, they are giving several players time to shake off the knocks they received from last week's match against DLSP.

Cillian de Gascun, who did not play in the last round, is hoping his groin injury will clear while the unflappable Paul Hennebry waits to see how his hand is after an excellent performance last time out. Derek Hegarty is also hoping to be fully fit as he too has a groin problem.

If Egan is not available, Terenure will select from Michael Quinn, Joe Kelly or Brendan Kavanagh to fill the position.

Lansdowne have not yet made final selection but could have as many as three first choice players out of contention. Flanker Stephen Rooney missed last week because of illness and is again doubtful while number eight Colin McEntee has ankle problems and is hopeful. Hooker and captain Mark McDermott is also injured but hopes to line out.

Blackrock name a virtually unchanged side from the one that beat St Mary's 28-17 in a running game at Stradbrook last Sunday but an empty slot has been left on the wing where Shane Mooney played last time out. He also took a knock on the caked pitch and failing recovery his place could be taken by either Rory Kearns or David Johnston.

Opponents Bective Rangers may well have felt confident after their romp against fourth division winners Suttonians, running in 47 points but they will go into this round as clear underdogs. Trevor Brennan returns to the pack while Paul Hatten comes in for Phillip Kenny, who is unavailable.

Having edged out Old Wesley 22-21 Trinity are unlikely to turn over a more confident Clontarf who now look like the strongest candidates to go through to the semi-finals.

In Munster Shannon, Garryowen and Cork Constitution have not selected yet in keeping with this year's trend while Greystones and Skerries will not finalise their sides until later in the week. Cork Constitution, however, may be without Seam us McGrath who was sent off in their game against Old Crescent on Sunday.

In Ulster the favourites Ballymena field centre Sheldon Coulter against Portadown for their match at Eaton Park. Coulter did not play last week against Bangor. Ballymena, however, have not yet selected a back row.

Portadown will be without Andy Matchett, who has gone to Bedford on a six-week contract, but second row Davy Tweed, who spent his entire Ulster and inter-national career with Ballymena, is likely to face his former colleagues.

The Town's Cup is also bound to attract a large crowd to Naas on Sunday where Carlow face Navan. While Navan have won the competition six times in their history Carlow will probably go in as favourites having had a much tougher run to the final, beating Mullingar, Dundalk and finally Naas in the semi-finals.