THREE ROCK ROVERS, the Leinster Senior League hockey leaders, turned up for a key match against Railway Union at Park Avenue last night but found that no opposition was present.

Third placed Railway had appealed to have this back fixture postponed because their captain and goalkeeper, Barry Merriman, had gone on holidays to the US, on the understanding that the match was to be played next week. But then apparently the Rovers captain Liam Canning would be absent, so Three Rock wanted the game brought forward.

Earlier this week, there was confusion as to whether or not the match would be played last night. Indeed, last evening, a Leinster Branch official indicated that the game was not on and that it was hoped to resolve the crux over the weekend.

While Three Rock are anxious to complete their programme, any advantage they might gain would not be welcomed by Avoca, who having beaten Portrane 7-1 last night lie two points behind the leaders. Each inside now has three matches to play.