Corinthians - who outgunned Avoca 6-1 at Rathdown on Saturday - will probably finish in the top three in the Leinster Senior League and therefore qualify for the all-Ireland play-offs. Not only will it be the Rathfarnham club's first time to be involved at this level, but their participation will also be distinctive with six Australians to the fore.
This huge proportion of athletic antipodeans - larger than any yet fielded by any Irish club in rugby, cricket or hockey - is beginning to be reflected in Corinthians' results. They ripped into a 30 lead in the first 10 minutes against Avoca as Olly Close scored twice with Aaron Clauson adding the third goal, before Robbie Byrnes (one of five natives in the squad) lashed home the fourth. Player-coach Colin Stewart, the first Tasmanian to land on these shores, insisted on figuring on the second-half scoresheet, bursting through twice.
The leaders, Pembroke Wanderers, who may yet be troubled by both Glenanne and Corinthians, overcame robust resistance from YMCA before winning 3-1 at Ballinteer.
Glenanne, as expected, were too mature for Three Rock Rovers, finishing 5-0 victors at St Mark's with John Goulding notching a second-half hat-trick.
In the Irish Junior Cup, Stephen Stewart contributed three goals to Pembroke II's 5-3 extra time elimination of Harlequins II, while Limerick recovered from 20 arrears to beat Cookstown II, 3-2.
