Three Rock look to have the edge

MEN'S HOCKEY:THE BUSINESS end of the Irish Senior Cup this weekend has reduced the field to three sides from Leinster, four from Ulster and Cork Harlequins flying the lone flag for Munster. That Harlequins have Lisnagarvey at home in Farmer's Cross will put them in a position of strength and with a good chance to advance against the side that dominated the competition in the 1980s.

Last year's winners, Glenanne, made their exit courtesy of Annadale and the Belfast team should feel that they have a better than even chance of making it through to the April 5th semi-final. Although Annadale have to travel, it is not too far across the city to Shaw's Bridge, where they face Instonians.

Dublin interest in the weekend will centre on the Three Rock Rovers game against Monkstown and Pembroke's meeting with Cookstown. Both home sides would expect to advance, though not without stubborn resistance.

Monkstown have been hot and cold this season as their mid-table position reflects and will go in as underdogs. Although Rovers have been consistently the better team and last weekend hit seven goals in two games, with Mitch Darling once again netting in each game, if Monkstown hit a peak they could cause problems.

Pembroke will have a day's rest on Sunday before then launching into the St Patrick's Day Leinster Senior Cup Final at Grange Road against Glenanne. That game starts at 1pm and precedes the women's Leinster Cup final at the same venue at 3pm.

SATURDAY: Irish Senior Cup: quarter-finals: Cork Harlequins v Lisnagarvey, Farmer's Cross, 1.00; Pembroke Wanderers v Cookstown, Serpentine Avenue, 2.00; Instonians v Annadale, Shaw's Bridge 1.00; Three Rock Rovers v Monkstown, Grange Road 2.45. Munster Senior League: Belvedere 'A' v Cork C of I 'B', Ballincollig 11.30; Cork C of I 'A' v Bandon 'A', Garryduff 5.00.