Glenanne to prove a point

With six series of Leinster Senior League games to play, spring cannot be far away and whether Glenanne can hold onto their lead is the main question. They were a trifle lethargic in the Mills Cup defeat by Pembroke Wanderers last weekend and one would expect more zip in their reactions against third-placed Corinthians at Whitechurch Park tomorrow.

Surprisingly, Glenanne dropped a point in the 3-3 autumn meeting between these sides but both defences are tighter now and if the Corinthians tearway attacker Colin Stewart can be confined, say, to one goal, the visitors are capable of pushing forward sufficiently to net two.

Pembroke keep up the chase with a match which will allow them no relaxation against Avoca at Grange Road, for one of Avoca's better performances this season was a 1-1 draw at Ballsbridge. Although there is nothing at stake but traditional rivalry between YMCA and Three Rock Rovers at Ballinteer, a recent social function has increased the appetite for tomorrow's clash. Jason Milne and Stephen Findlater will be particularly keen to make an impact for YM in a bid to reverse the 2-0 win gained by Rovers on home turf.

YMCA's tempo may also be spurred by the news this week that the Leinster Branch fixtures committee has awarded the second-round Cable & Wireless Cup tie to UCD as there was a registration blip involving a YM player who contributed to the 5-1 win. YM have the right to appeal but if they leave the matter rest, UCD will be taking on Monkstown in the quarter-final which was postponed last Saturday. Furthermore, the draw has been made for the semi-finals (February 27th) which is: Railway Union v Monkstown or UCD (or YMCA); Pembroke v Corinthians.

Meanwhile the Munster Senior Cup semi-finals take place tomorrow with both Cork C of I and Harlequins eager to confirm their claim to all-Ireland honours by ousting Belvedere and Catholic Institute on the domestic scene.