Three Rock surrender advantage in final minute

Mens Hockey: There is little doubt Three Rock Rovers have developed into one of the most forward-thinking sides in their approach to the game with Dutch coach Bert Vereken guiding them through a Friday evening training session at Grange Road on the eve of their first match of the season against YMCA.

That the additional light run-out and team meal afterwards didn't exactly work out will certainly be a frustration but little cause for real concern, Rovers letting in a last-minute equalising score from Andrew Walker to open the 2003-04 campaign with a 1-1 draw.

Peter McConnell's first-half short corner gave the home side the lead deep into the second half and it appeared as though Rovers would kick off with a tight victory when Walker dashed hopes when he struck with only seconds remaining in the match.

YMCA will be pleased enough against the title holders at home in an otherwise truncated opening day where postponements were given to both the University sides, UCD and Trinity. Both clubs had drawn away games, UCD to Corinthians and Trinity to Pembroke.

What seems odd is the sides were rostered into the opening few weeks when everyone knows they do not even know what players they have until the University terms begin.

The teams don't know what players earned enough points to get into college and they don't know what players are still abroad working. Nor do they know who is available to play for the university as occasionally players remain with clubs.

It seems odd then that the student sides (Trinity have been in existence for over 100 years), who deserve and always have had dispensation to begin their campaigns later, are now being pushed into playing when they are obviously unable to field teams. It is also a frustration for Corinthians and Pembroke to kick-off with a blank weekend when they could have played each other.

In a disappointing development, the Leinster Branch is pressurising both UCD and Trinity to fulfil the fixtures next season in what is sure to be an easy few points and goals haul for those sides lucky enough to play them first up.

At the National Hockey Stadium at Belfield, Glenanne, without their Belgium-based trio, overcame Railway Union by a single goal. While Pembroke found out last season that a couple of bodies missing, notably that of Justin Sherriff, makes life much harder so, too, may Glenanne this season. Still, Alan Goulding's first-half goal saw Glenanne successfully through their first match despite Railway creating enough chances to leave Belfield disappointed with their return for the day.