THE indications are that the Irish Junior Cup final on March 30th will be a repeat of the decider of two years ago between Banbridge II and Pembroke Wanderers II.

In tomorrow's semi finals, Banbridge - with some extremely mature figures - are expected to have too much firing power for Annadak III at Castlewellan Road while in Dublin, Pembroke are likely to survive the challenge of Corinthians II at Serpentine Avenue.

Pembroke are particularly determined to reach the final and to show that they can be more forceful than they were when succumbing 4-0 to the Banbridge brigade in 1994.

They gave indications of their combative ability in beating Avoca II in extra time in the previous round. Ian Battle and Paudie Carley are embattled figures from the senior front while David Johnston, Duncan McKeen, Marcus Hunt and Trevor Dunne have also sampled first team hockey in recent times.

Dave Griffin and Dave McFeely have played stoutly for Corinthians in previous rounds but the main thorn in Pembroke's side will undoubtedly be Australian striker Colin Stewart. He first arrived on the scene when Corinthians won the Wright Carey Cup in surprising Avoca at this venue. He has since become an attacker needing tight marking in Dublin senior circles and probably Carley or Battle will hold a vital role in keeping an eye on him if the Pembroke juniors are to be sure of winning.

There promises to be a stimulating double bill at Serpentine Avenue, as the Pembroke first XI, having surrendered their league title, seek a pride saving draw with the unbeaten leaders, Three Rock Rovers. It was 2-0 at Grange Road earlier in the season, but if Rovers were to sustain a slight dent this time, there would still be some crumbs of hope for Avoca on the run in.