Harlequins have edge this time

MENS HOCKEY: The European Capital of Culture embraces a double bill of hockey performances tomorrow when Cork Harlequins and Cork C of I host Glenanne and Banbridge, respectively, in the two most high powered ties in the fourth round of the Irish Senior Cup.

The main spotlight is on Harlequins as they tackle Glenanne for the fourth time in five years in their quest to land the elusive trophy. On this occasion, the Munstermen must be favourites, with home advantage after the three Dublin games. They were edged out 2-1 in 2000 and in a shoot-out when they lost a 3-0 lead in 2002, but last season they won 6-2 victory en route to a below-par final against Instonians.

Glenanne, though, were in transition a year ago and all the indications are they have the maturity to stretch Harlequins to the limit tomorrow. One of their most rewarding ploys in Leinster competitions has been the aerial ball into the circle from Joe Brennan to John Goulding; which will keep master goalkeeper Wesley Bateman on his toes, along with Seán Nicholson who returns to the defence after injury.

Harlequins, with David Hobbs forcing the pace, will again be depending largely on dividends from short corners and David Eakins could be the man to put them into the quarter-finals.

Cork C of I remain one of the elite sides in the country and, with the resourcefulness of Karl Burns at the back and the incisiveness of Richie Arnopp in attack, they should be capable of eliminating Banbridge, even if the Co Down club's renaissance is epitomised by Eugene Magee.

There is the possibility of three Co Cork teams figuring in the draw for the last-eight stage as Bandon are at home to Clontarf in the most modest pairing of the day. Nevertheless, the Dubliners have had greater exposure to top-level hockey and would revel in the irony of being one of the few Leinster teams to survive.

Monkstown should get through, guided by Stephen Jackson at Kilkeel, while YMCA, who have a bracing trip to Bangor, will need Will Powderly and his cohorts to be in their sharpest form to forge a win.

The other three Dublin sides who are exposed to Ulster opposition face really tough assignments. Aer Lingus, who welcome Nigel Grothier back in goal after flu, have shown their prowess at local level and, energised by Dave O'Gorman in midfield, they are sure to test Annadale's ambitions fully at Lough Moss but with Graham Shaw adding to the home squad's rich resources, they ought to advance.

Lisnagarvey, with Brian Waring, Mark Raphael and Tim Cockram to the fore, must also expect to send Avoca packing but the visitors' coach Ian Keogh has the sustenance of being a member of the team which conquered Lisnagarvey in the memorable 1996 final while striker Stephen Stewart has won a medal with Pembroke Wanderers.

Captained by New Zealander midfielder Andrew Timlin and with Jamie Scott back to partner Dan Bolger up front, Avoca are determined to put up a good showing, not least Stephen Kinsella in the last line of defence.

Trinity, too, hope to rise to the occasion for the visit of holders Instonians to Santry but the students' slim chances have been further diminished by the absence of captain John Blakeney, who is recovering from glandular fever.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Tomorrow - Irish Senior Cup (fourth round) - Lisnagarvey v Avoca, Laurel Hill Sports Zone, 2.30 (C Hutchinson, R Johnston); Cork Harlequins v Glenanne, Farmers Cross, 1.0 (E McFerran, C Porter); Bandon v Clontarf, Bandon GS, 2.0 (I Bolger, O Divito); Annadale v Aer Lingus, Lough Moss, 2.30 (G Quail, R Ewart); Bangor v YMCA, Ballykilliare, 2.30 (W McCully, G Caulwell); Kilkeel v Monkstown, Kilkeel HS, 2.30 (D Stewart, C McConkey); Cork C of I v Banbridge, Garryduff (T Goode, R O'Connor); Dublin University v Instonians, Santry (K McGinley, I Conning). Quarter-final draw at Garryduff, 4.30.