IRELAND'S representatives in the European club competitions each year rarely expect to make a great impact. So it will be acceptable if Avoca can finish fifth (their country's ranking) in the prestigious A division of the Cup Winners's Cup in Reading this weekend, though there must always be a glimmer of hope that the Germans, Dutch or Spaniards can be surprised and that a higher place can be achieved.

In facing Gladbacher of Germany this morning and Real Club de Polo de Barcelona tomorrow, Avoca take on accomplished opponents in Pool A before they may feel on a more equal footing with Ekaterinburg of Russia on Sunday. Indeed, the sides drew 2-2 in the Champions' Cup B division in Prague in 1993.

However, there is an indication that both Gladbacher (fielding Christoph Bechmann and Michael Hilgers among no more than half a dozen internationals) and Real Polo (despite including several members of the illustrious Fabregas family) may not be ultrapowerful and that Avoca might be able to poach a point from one of them.

A robust Irish approach, notably from Colia Hade, may well be an important element, with New Zealander Paul Derham providing extra gusto, while Nigel Kingston, Trevor Dagg, J P Murphy and Anton Scott could reproduce the form which marked Avoca's excellent performance in this competition in Terrassa in 1991. Coach Simon Filgas, another member of that vintage side, can also provide much subtlety for this weekend's assignment.

It is unique that Newpark School, Avoca's main source of fresh genes, are representing Ireland in the European Youth Festival in The Hague. Judging by the success of fellow Dubliners St Andrew's in this week's Oxford tournament (winning all five matches and hitting 27 goals), it seems that the new Irish Schools champions can hold their own against Slavia Prague and England's King Edward and Wellington Colleges, though the hosts HDM may have the edge this afternoon.