STRONG views in Leinster circles that national coach Cees Koppelaar included too large a proportion of Ulster players (12) in the World Cup squad which failed in Kuala Lumpur, should be tempered to a degree.
Building a team takes time. The formation of the 1996-9 squad originated from the power of Ulster hockey in the preceding years. It is only in the last few seasons that Leinster have re emerged to become the dominant force. This was beginning to be reflected in Koppelaar's selection for the Cagliari tournament in October. But illness and injury contributed to the diminution of the Southern representation in the party for Malaysia.
Now, however, there can be a general review as a fresh approach is made for the European Championship in Padua in 1999, via possibly the new world series. Dubliners such as JP Murphy, Galahad Goulet, Francis de Rosa, Devin Donnelly and Jamie McBride - and no doubt some Corkmen - can stake fresh claims, along with the rich crop of younger players who are coming to the fore and will be tested at under 21 level. As regards the coaching position, it will be examined at the next Irish Hockey Union executive meeting on April 12th, when everyone has cooled down from their experiences in the tropics.
Meanwhile, it seems that Pembroke Wanderers will be going forward to put Leinster's prowess to the ultimate test in the all Ireland play offs (probably against Instonians and Cork C of I). The domestic title is in Pembroke's grasp. They are unlikely to slip up against YMCA at Ballinteer tomorrow (when Nigel Henderson and Jason O'Brien might well each play a half) though Three Rock Rovers may stay in contention by beating Avoca at Grange Road. Glenanne, too, will not be out of the reckoning if they take full points from Railway Union and Corinthians over the weekend. Then, another meeting Pembroke could be crucial.
Even if Avoca's challenge has faded (ironically due in some measure to the passage of the second XI to the Irish Junior Cup final) there will still be some resistance to Rovers in tomorrow's match of the day. It was 1-1 when the sides met at Rathdown.
Three Rock will probably field their Mills Cup winning personnel while Avoca will want as far as possible to prepare for their assignment in European circles at Reading at Easter. It seems that both Colin Hade and Paul Derham, despite the demands of Kuala Lumpur, will make their return to local fare. It would be an interesting duel if New Zealander Derham were to face up to Rovers' accomplished German international, Uli Moiffl.
On Sunday evening (6.0), Rovers' younger lights, notably Mark Henderson, Alan Bothwell, Gordan Elliott, Christian Judd and Gary Ringwood, should relish the Leinster under 21 final against YMCA at Serpentine Avenue. YM, though, are well equipped, too, including in their ranks Quentin Heaney and youth internationals Will Powderly, Stephen Barry and Jan Willem Findlater.
