Having struck 22 goals in four matches, there can be little doubt that Glenanne will be the team to hustle Pembroke Wanderers most for the Leinster championship laurels. The 5-1 defeat of Corinthians at Whitechurch Park on Saturday confirmed Glenanne's growing confidence in their ability to score, not only from Stephen's Butler's lethal short-corner shooting but also by creating chances from open play. Strength in depth in the squad will also be an important factor, as young players such as David Shaw are being integrated successfully.
Corinthians took the lead through Colin Stewart and were presented with other opportunities, yet it was Glenanne who were 2-1 in front by the interval. It seemed that the sides were as well matched as they had been in their midweek Neville Cup encounter, but when Butler (strong, too, at right back) completed his hat-trick early in the second half for a 10goal league haul to date, the issue was virtually decided.
Devin Kehoe and Graham Shaw completed the tally as Alan Browne emphasised the team's hunger to take all this season.
Pembroke, now the only side with a 100 per cent record, found themsleves unsettled by UCD's attacking spirit, before emerging as 4-2 winners at Belfield.
UCD will surely move from the foot of the table as they harness the momentum which saw them a goal up at half-time; Stephen Jones scored from a short corner and Owen Butler narrowly failed to make it 2-0.
But though Keith Fishbourne had been particularly assertive in the university defence, Pembroke pressed powerfully on the right flank in the second period to capture full points.
Darren Hanna was quick to add the finishing touch after a setpiece save, and then delivered a centre for Andy Cooke to earn the lead. Then, following a virtual tidal wave, Alan Thompson increased the margin to 3-1.
UCD hit back for Butler to reduce the deficit from a penalty stroke, but then the students were caught on the break for Paudie Carley to leave Pembroke comfortably clear.
An ideal test of UCD's ability comes next weekend when, with Daniel Gutler from Germany fully involved, they tackle Railway Union. The Park Avenue brigade gained a resolute point at Grange Road on Saturday, with Brendan Parsons and Karl Swan zapping home equalisers after Christian Judd and Gordon Elliott had twice put Three Rock Rovers ahead. Incidentally, Mark Henderson has joined Railway from Rovers.
