Three Rock out for revenge

FOR those of us who abhor violence at any level, there were two crumbs of encouragement towards a more civilised society during the week - one, that British television is cutting back on the coverage of boxing and, two, that the film Babe has received seven Oscar nominations.

But even the supposedly genteel sport of hockey has come to a stage where one wonders about degrees of combativity. By all means, let's have as much vigour as possible; but there appears to be increasing incidents of injury in Dublin circles recently.

Not only is the misuse of the stick causing pain, but the reaction of those around the victim isn't what it used to be. As the player leaves the arena, spitting teeth onto the astroturf, his team mates and the opposition are inclined to go into tactical huddles. There seems to be no time these days to provide some comfort with a round of sympathetic clapping. Even the partisans on the sidelines remain embarrassed or unmoved. How about a return to more considerate actions and old customs?

One must point out that these observations are general rather than being associated with any individual or club. Tomorrow's focus is largely concentrated on the Leinster Senior League. There can be no doubt that Three Rock Rovers will be determined to avenge last Saturday's startling Mills Cup defeat by YMCA at Ballinteer.

The odds are that Rovers will retain their unbeaten league record, particularly if Robin Madeley has recovered from bruising. Furthermore, YM midfielder Nigel Buttimer is out with a fractured finger. If, though, Three Rock were to suffer another surprise reverse, the Corinthians Pembroke Wanderers game would take on some significance - though it can be by no means sure that Pembroke will win at Whitechurch Park.

The main interest at this venue is the Irish Junior Cup quarter final visit by Cork C of I (still in contention for a senior junior double). Corinthians II, fielding John McNulty (who won a medal with C of I II in 1994) and another Corkman in the captain, Simon Furney, should capitalise on enthusiastic home support. Conversely, Dermot Judge may relish his return to Dublin.

Monkstown II, with Noel McLean at the helm, have sufficient promise to send Annadale III packing. So the likelihood is that, with Pembroke II already through, three Leinster sides will be in the semi final stage to confront Banbridge II.

Meanwhile, Avoca's main objective is to develop their skills in the European Indoor Championship (B division) in Brussels. Without a number of leading figures, they must tackle the hosts, Royal White Star, and Montrouge of Paris today, before facing Dynamo Minsk tomorrow.