WITH the international pitch at Lansdowne Road closed until May 10th for urgent repair work on the surface, Lansdowne hope to play their. Leinster Senior Cup first round tie against DLSP on Saturday, on a back pitch at the ground.

A pitch is being prepared that will incorporate parts of the two pitches at the back of the east stand. But even taking the best parts of the two pitches there is some anxiety about the surface. If it is not deemed safe, then Lansdowne will look for an alternative venue. There is a possibility that the match could be played at Anglesea Road.

Lansdowne, beaten finalists last season, will be without their captain and Ireland A hooker Mark McDermott, who is not available, so Bobby McCoy will deputise. International centre Kurt McQuilkin will undergo a fitness test. He missed the AIL match against Terenure College last Saturday because he was again troubled by the chest injury he sustained playing for Ireland against Scotland.

The cup holders, Terenure, in common with most other clubs, have delayed selection of their side to meet Old Belvedere at Lakelands Park on Saturday. Old Belvedere will be without second row Neil Francis, who has a back injury sustained last week in the crucial win over Garryowen in the All-Ireland League. Belvedere will also be without number eight, Fergal O'Beirne.

Blackrock College will have Rory Kearns at full back for their home tie against St Mary's Cotlege on Sunday. Kearns returns as" Emmett Farrell is injured. Rogers is also injured so Dave Hackett will deputise in the back row, while Mick O'Neill takes over from dual status player Pat Holden in the second row.

Suttonians will have their player coach Stephen Dods in the back row for their home tie against Bective Rangers on Saturday. Dods will be moving to Old Belvedere at the start of June as coach.

The Connacht Branch has ordered that the Junior Cup semifinal between Clifden and Buccaneers be replayed for a second time. The first match was a draw and Buccaneers won the replay. However, they played two ineligible players in the replay. The branch has decided that the matter be resolved by a third meeting between the clubs.

Connemara will play UCG in a Connacht Senior Cup first round match tonight.