FROZEN parents might have expected the laurels to be allowed rest with Leinster in the youth interprovincials after the coldest weekend of the winter had been endured in Lisburn and environs over the weekend, culminating in yesterday's programme at Blaris being abandoned.
But, although Leinster had swept through three matches with a 100 per cent record at under-18 level and were also leading the table in the under-16 grade, both their coaches, Richard Mason and Ruth Henderson, and the players were keen to accept a final challenge from Ulster. Munster, too, would be willing to complete the play-each-other twice series if suitable dates can be found.
There can be little doubt, however, that Leinster remain the most accomplished side in the senior division. With Justin Sherriff and Gary Ringwood in full spate, two comfortable victories (5-1 and 4-0) were achieved at Munster's expense and, in between, their first game against Ulster also yielded a convincing win (3-1).
After Charlie Henderson had kept out a penalty stroke from Andrew Knox, the attack found full momentum for Ian Allen, Sherriff and Ringwood to score before the interval. Jonathan Bloomfield got a goal back for Ulster in the second half and there was some pressure from Gary McKee and Mark Hill.
Alan Giles, Peter McConnell, Brian McMahon and Stephen Findlater played leading roles for the Leinster under-16s, whose 2-0 defeat of Munster was significant as the Karl Burns-led southerners were threatening to make a bold bid for the title.
Railway Union gained most encouragement from Saturday's Leinster Senior League programme, adding a 1-1 draw with Avoca to their 3-2 defeat of Three Rock Rovers a fortnight previously.
Indeed, Railway went close to beating an Avoca side for whom the engagement at Rathdown was particularly raw. Although Paul Derham slotted in sturdily at right-back, Peter Darley and Colin Hade were out with tonsilitis and hamstring trouble, respectively, and Robbie Ryan left the field with a collar-bone injury before half-time. As a result, Ryan may not be able to play in the interprovincial championship.
The draw on Saturday for the third round of the Irish Senior Cup on December 12th kept apart the main contenders for Avoca's crown. The favourites, Cork C of I, will relish the local derby against Belvedere - though a grit surface might be somewhat of a leveller. Lisnagarvey and Three Rock Rovers, both at home, will be taken to overpower Dublin YMCA and Banbridge, respectively, while Pembroke Wanderers, having eliminated Instonians in Belfast, should now travel successfully to Antrim.
