Men's Hockey Round-up: Mark Black has finally joined Harlequins from Cork C of I, a move that could further tilt the balance of power in Irish hockey towards Munster sides.
The defection of the international midfielder, who is coming back from a serious cruciate ligament injury sustained over a year ago against Italy in Belfield, comes as little surprise given his strong contacts with the Farmer's Cross side - his father is a sponsor of the senior team; he is involved with coaching the women's second XI and his brother Jason already plays with Harlequins.
Maybe it's a Cork thing but the Hobbs brothers also line out with different sides, David with C of I and John with Harlequins.
Black's move will greatly strengthen the Harlequins team, assuming his drive for full fitness goes to plan. It also augurs well for their prospects this year as Irish representatives in the European Championships.
Black joins his brother, Wesley Bateman and Dave Eakins among the club's international contingent.
Elsewhere, it's a busy weekend in Leinster and again tomorrow's programme of League matches is followed by the Leinster Senior Cup quarter finals on Sunday.
Tomorrow Monkstown face Trinity in what will be a lively game at Santry while Glenanne play Three Rock Rovers in an important match for the jockeying at the top end of the table.
It should be an abrasive encounter too. YMCA may also feel empowered to pull one over on Corinthians following last week's match when they led pace setters Pembroke before going down 2-1.
In division two, Avoca, seeking promotion this year back into the top flight, have announced a new addition to the side in New Zealand international Andrew Timlin.
The Kiwi played against former international Robert Ryan a few years ago. Ryan has also been back in harness with Avoca. This weekend they face a top-of-the table clash with Bray, with both teams seeking promotion this season.
FIXTURES: Saturday: Leinster Senior League Division One - Aer Lingus v UCD, 12:45, ALSAA; Dublin University v Monkstown, 1.30, Santry; Glenanne v Three Rock Rovers, 1.30, St Marks; Pembroke Wanderers v Railway Union, 1.30, Grange Road; YMCA v Corinthians, 2.0, Wesley College. Division Two - Clontarf v Weston 1.0, DCU; Portrane v Skerries 12:00, Sportslink; St James' Gate v St Brendan's, 2.0, Iveagh Grounds; Suttonians v Naas, 2.30, Scanlan Park, Kilkenny; Avoca v Bray 1:30, Rathdown. Sunday: Leinster Senior Cup Quarter-finals - Railway Union v UCD, 3.45, Grange Road; Pembroke Wanderers v Weston, 3.0, Serpentine Ave; Dublin University v TRR, 1.30, Santry; Glenanne v Clontarf, 2.30. Munster Senior Cup Semi-final - C of I A v Cath Inst A, Garryduff 1.30.
