IT MAY have been chastening for Avoca to lose out to a side from Croatia, among others, in the European Indoor Championship in Brussels last weekend and to be relegated to the C division.

Yet if Ireland's representatives had been able to travel with a full complement of first choice figures, there can be little doubt that they would have reached the semi finals and might even have been promoted to A status. At least, it was reckoned to be a useful excursion for the club's up and coming players.

Back on the home front and facing the elements, Avoca seem vigorous enough to beat Pembroke Wanderers at Rathdown tomorrow to remain the lone chasers to Three Rock Rovers in the final stretch to the Leinster Senior League title.

It is possible, though, that Pembroke, the defending champions, will take a point for pride and so leave matters even in the duel between these sides this season. They have each won two matches (it was 2-0 for Avoca in both the league in October and in the Neville Cup final while Pembroke emerged on top 1-0 in the Stephen Doyle Trophy decider and 3-2 in the second round of the Mills Cup).

Overall now, Avoca look stronger, particularly in midfield, while the Pembroke defence will miss centre back Simon Watchorn, out with a broken thumb. One wonders if Ian O'Keeffe is available for a recall, as several of the club's reserves in this sector may need to brace themselves for duty with the second XI in an ultimate clash with Banbridge 11 in the Irish Junior Cup.

Three Rock will face some buffeting from Portrane at Grange Road tomorrow but should score handsomely along the lines of the 4-0 win achieved in the away game. Glenanne, though in the running again for a Top Four place, will have respect for Corinthians at Whitechurch Park. YMCA, at home to Railway Union, gave a first run to under 21 interprovincial Peter Maybury, who has moved from Clontarf.