There can be no mellow approach to the last days of September for Leinster's top four league sides as Pembroke Wanderers (1) tackle Corinthians (3) at Whitechurch Park and Glenanne (2) take on Avoca (4) at St Mark's tomorrow before the pairings are repeated next week in the Stephen Doyle Trophy semi-finals.

Furthermore, the four clubs provide the bulk of the participants in Sunday's provincial trial at Serpentine Avenue.

An invigorating feature of last season was the four Corinthian-Pembroke duels, the last of which Corinthians won, 3-2. This will sustain them to a degree tomorrow when Paul Connell joins his brother Tom in the squad, which also includes Ivan Ovington from the south-east and Robbie Burns from Railway Union.

With Francis de Rosa back from holidays, however, to form an accomplished Pembroke back four with Peter Young, Duncan McKeen and Colin Kelly, there may not be much scope for Corinthians to strike as readily as they did against Monkstown last Saturday. Pembroke, with more options, will be expected to take the points.

Avoca, too, look sharp enough to gain an away win, especially as coach Aidan Kidney brings inside knowledge to Glenanne Park.

The second division goes into full swing with the three universities mustering teams for their first outings. Rural excursions, however, will be diminished by Carlow's departure from competition after several decades of gallant survival with David Nolan at the helm.

Among Carlow's most loyal players were the Deacon brothers, Derek, Philip and Justin. The high point was winning promotion to the first division in 1993-94 and staying there for two seasons.

Outstanding performances were in containing Avoca and Instonians to 2-0 margins in Irish Senior Cup ties.

Weston, with backing from Caffreys Ales, have applied to replace Carlow in the second division but the Leinster Branch feel the Lucan club are best suited to division four.