Video umpire under scrutiny

The Women's World Cup in Perth, which begins this weekend, could be the stage that revolutionizes the game of hockey across the board.

The world governing body, the FIH, have decided to use the competition to examine the feasibility of a video umpire, which, if successful, could be brought in to both the men's and women's game in events such as next year's European championships in Spain.

The trial will take the form of a dry run with no involvement of World Cup match officials and with no direct effect on the run of play. Instead an experienced international umpire, who is not taking part in the match, will be able to request video examination of important umpiring decisions.

"Hockey's ever increasing standards of play demand us to examine if it is desirable to join other sports such as cricket, rugby union and league in the use of the video umpire," said FIH secretary general Peter Cohen.

Such forensic examination will not come into Saturday's meeting between Leinster and Munster at Grange Road in what is expected to be a lively meeting.

Typically C of I and Harlequins dominate the team landscape with eight players from each club making up the 16-man squad. Colin Brady, formerly with Leinster's Avoca, is included in the Munster 16.

The break down suggests a healthy competition between the two clubs in Munster but not a lot else. An All Ireland League? The FIH seem unafraid of moving forward, maybe the Irish Hockey Association could similarly consider change?

SATURDAY

Interprovincial: Leinster v Munster, Grange Road 2.30.

Leinster Senior League Division 2: Bray v Weston 2.30pm Bray; Dublin University v Skerries 1.30pm Santry; Portrane V St Brendan's 1.15pm College of Surgeons; St James Gate v Naas 2.00pm Iveagh Grounds

SUNDAY

Leinster Senior League Division One: Corinthians v Monkstown 4.15pm Whitechurch Park