The European Nations Cup semi-finals in Padova today are expected to produce the finest of spectacles. Holland, with midfielder Jacques Brinkman becoming the world's most capped player (314 internationals), will probably have the edge over Belgium but England are set to provide a virile challenge to Germany.
While it was an official rest day yesterday, the Dutch still had a work-out in the early afternoon heat - as did the Irish squad. It is hoped that Julian Stevenson, one of the leanest members of the Irish team, will have recovered from a virus which has kept him out of the last two matches, so that his work rate can be fully utilised against Switzerland in the 9th to 12th place play-off (first series) tomorrow.
Ireland greatly need to improve their strike rate if they are going to beat Switzerland. With just five goals scored, they are with Italy the lowest scorers of the tournament. No doubt the tempo back home in Dublin will not be at too great a pace as Three Rock Rovers host their annual September jambouree at Grange Road this weekend, when the new back pitch will be in use for the first time.
A young Reading side will be keen to make an early impact for England but Instonians, the All-Ireland champions, might well be zealous enough to again capture the Budweiser trophy. At the end of the season they will be hosting the European club champions, B division tournament in Belfast.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Cork C of I will be competing in the A division of the cup winners cup in Terrassa, Spain, next Easter. They have been promoted because Dinamo Ekaterinberg of Russia have been relegated to the B division for registering an ineligible player in last season's Amsterdam tournament.
C of I, of course, will be under strength for the Three Rock gathering as Ali Dunne, Nigel Buttimer and Colin Hanna will be aiming to salvage some pride for Ireland in Padova. In preparation for the start of the Leinster Senior League on September 18th, Monkstown take the opportunity to play their Maunsell Cup game against Pembroke Wanderers at Rathdown tomorrow. David Jenkins captains Monkstown, who expect to field two of their Finnish recruits, while Pembroke, with Francis de Rosa at the helm, are looking forward to a fruitful season with Justin Sherriff and Gordon Elliott adding to their attacking resources.
This will be Monkstown's last season at Rathdown before they switch partnership to St Andrews.
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