Before the final surge into spring and trophy-winning time, this is a relatively relaxed weekend, especially in the Leinster Senior League. Indeed, Pembroke Wanderers and Corinthians, who meet YMCA and Monkstown, respectively, will be thinking largely of their Irish Senior Cup meeting tomorrow week.

Pembroke, exploring angles at Ballinteer, should win with some comfort to remain six points clear of Glenanne, as YM have enjoyed little activity since Christmas. The opposition to Corinthians at Whitechurch Park may be quite stirring, as Monkstown will want to show their appreciation of Alan Tolerton's guidance.

With nothing at stake, Avoca and Three Rock Rovers will not engage each other with usual St Valentine's Day passion at Rathdown. Rovers' immediate task is to find a blend to keep Harlequins in check at all-Ireland level, while Avoca are focused on the European indoor championship in Belgrade next week, as well as channelling energy into raising funds for the Newpark astro surface (to be ready in October).

Trinity can still stay in the first division, with the opening of the new pitch at Santry being a fresh incentive, but points are unlikely to materialise in tomorrow's game against Glenanne. If UCD are to retain any hope of avoiding the drop, a defeat of Railway Union at Belfield is virtually essential.

In Ulster, Instonians will wrap up the provincial title if they record their 14th successive win by beating Banbridge at Olympia.

While all the quarter-finals of the Irish Junior Cup are being staged in Ulster, both Three Rock Rovers II and Corinthians II can keep the Leinster flag flying by coming through at Mossley and Cookstown, respectively. Cork C of I's second XI, too, may well be a match for Lisnagarvey II.