LONG LIVE amateur hockey, even if passion for tomorrow's programme will no doubt be limited because of the need to view the rugby international.
At least dual supporters can take in Leinster's principal fixture - the Mills Cup semi-final replay between Glenanne and Pembroke Wanderers at Tallaght (1.30), before skipping away to screens in their homes or hostelries.
Extra-time or a shoot-out, of course, would not be appreciated, even though the sides are so closely matched. Possibly, with Pembroke expecting to be at full strength, they can settle the issue, from open play in 70 minutes.
As regards the staggering of times for some matches, stalwarts of Waterford, paying a rare visit to Dublin to meet Corinthians II in an Irish Junior Cup quarter-final at Whitechurch Park, might have preferred to be in action after the Lansdowne Road game rather than playing at the same time. They might have obtained modest terrace tickets or watched the spectacle live on television, supporting in spirit Newtown School's one and only rugby international - Nick Popplewell (who also played hockey for Ireland at youth level).
There will be a keen Newtown representation in both the Waterford and Corinthians sides tomorrow, with the most notable duel involving David Ryan and Wesley Rothwell.
Corinthians II, with more exposure in this competition, are likely to advance, but the other ties are difficult to call, particularly the game involving Avoca II and Three Rock Rovers II, at Newpark. The grit (nostalgic) surface will be somewhat of a leveller for both teams, one of which may well be worthy of keeping the Junior Cup in Leinster.
Avoca will be fielding their most powerful line-up, but there has been further misfortune for one of their first-team players - Robbie Ryan. Suffering a shoulder, injury before Christmas, flu has now kept Ryan out of the Ireland World Cup squad's training trip to Holland this week. He was a valuable member of the party in Cagliari, so it is hoped that he can make a sufficient recovery to be selected for next month's assignment in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, the Irish squad have beaten a Dutch under-21 XI, 3-2, but yesterday, without injured skipper Alan Dowd, lost 5-0 to seven-star Bloemendaal.
