Final repeat on cards

Without pussyfooting, the prediction is that Lisnagarvey and Pembroke Wanderers will meet next month in the Irish Senior Cup final, which would be a repeat of the 1997 decider.

It will be literally touch and go, though, in both of tomorrow's semi-finals. The unfamiliar pitch factor may lessen Lisnagarvey's chances of getting over the penultimate hurdle against Harlequins while Cork C of I will feel relaxed in defence of the trophy at the refurbished home of their friendliest rivals (almost kith and kin) Pembroke.

Rivalry on the pitch at Serpentine Avenue, however, is bound to be a different matter. Imagine the scenario, for example, if Trevor Dunne were to punch Pembroke into the lead or if Darren Hanna were to sink a last-minute equaliser for the Cork side.

The match shouldn't be short of goals - both teams scored nine in league games last weekend. Pembroke appear to have the strongest defence, commanded by Nigel Henderson, but C of I may be a shade more dynamic in midfield through the impetus of Nigel Buttimer.

Ultimately it will be a matter of how much space can be created either for Gordon Elliott and Justin Sherriff to strike for the home side or for the Hanna brothers, maybe Colin, to make an incisive burst for the holders. Short-corner executions, too, will be fascinating, yet Pembroke's extra fitness and match hardness could be decisive elements.

If Lisnagarvey have retained their appetite for another cup success, they should have too much depth for Harlequins to cope with. At least half a dozen of the Ulstermen have collected winners' medals eight times in the last 12 years, including one final against the Corkmen.

If, say, Alan Dowd, Robbie Taylor, Daniel Clarke and Julian Stevenson, are still unrelenting, there will remain only the possibility of an even greater surprise than that pulled off by Harlequins at Banbridge in an earlier round. Jason Black, the Lombard brothers and Dave Eakins are among those sure to give Farmers Cross plenty of defiant buzz.