Gap likely to widen

HOCKEY: After a lively start, week two could further demonstrate the gap between the top tier of Leinster teams and those at the bottom. Last Saturday 13 goals were scored against four sides, three against Corinthians, Monkstown and Railway Union and four against YMCA.

Pembroke Wanderers, who began their autumn hitting three against Monkstown, face Railway at Serpentine Avenue and expect to keep their campaign rolling.While Irish striker Justin Sherriff may not be available to play again this week for Pembroke, the club have brought in the experience of Tipperary hurling trainer Jim Kielty. Kielty, who also worked with top Irish sprinters Ciara Sheehy and Karen Shinkins, took his first session with the team on Tuesday and is likely to be a fixture with the club for the season. His SAQ (speed, agility, quickness) approach has also been used by UCD rugby club.

Three Rock Rovers' 3-0 start has left Corinthians wondering if it really was them in last year's club championship finals. This week, the Whitechurch Park side have Mark Magnier and Colin Stewart back in the squad. But they will face YMCA with some injury worries. South African Miles Warren, Dave McFeely and Aaron Clauson are carrying various knocks.

Four-goal Aer Lingus are looking at Avoca as another source of points having played so well last week in their opener against YMCA. They also welcome back Derek O'Gorman and hope to go one better than last season when they drew 3-3 at Rathdown before beating Avoca at home.

Avoca, without Trevor Dagg and Stephen Kinsella, have their sights set on staying well away from the bottom of the table this season, a successful play-off in their last match keeping them in the top flight.

For the coming season the Ulster Branch have changed the names of their top leagues. The Senior One League will now be called the Premier League with the Senior Two renamed Senior One.

LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE: Division One: Avoca v Aer Lingus 1.45 Rathdown; Pembroke v Railway Union 2.00 Serpentine Avenue; Three Rock Rovers v Monkstown 1.15 Grange Road; YMCA v Corinthians 2.00 Wesley Division Two; Skerries v Portrane 12.00 Skerries; St Brendan's v St James' Gate 3.00 Phoenix Park; Naas v Suttonians 1.00 Naas; Clontarf v Bray 2.00 DCU.