THE rich get richer, the poor get poorer - powerful clubs become more powerful, weaker clubs are left to struggle. It could be argued that in domestic competitions such as the Leinster Senior Cup, the sponsorship funds from Cable & Wireless ought to go straight to the lesser lights and that seeding should be in operation in the initial stages so that the more modest sides can gain encouragement by winning the occasional match.

As things stand, game and up and coming Skerries are at home in the first round tomorrow to the trophy holders, increasingly ambitious Glenanne, while Naas freshly promoted to the second division, face a daunting assignment against one of the Premier League's most accomplished teams, Pembroke Wanderers at Serpentine Avenue.

However, the margins may not be too severe as Glenanne won't relish their hosts' grit surface while, helping to ease Naas's fears, Pembroke are likely to spread their resources to cover an Irish Junior Cup tie as well as keeping something in reserve for the Stephen Doyle Trophy final against Railway Union on Monday.

Tomorrow's other cup ties are also first v second division pairings but Corinthians may need several surges from Colin Stewart to shake off Clontarf at ALSAA while Monkstown may depend on a Just in Sherriff strike to win at Kilkenny.

Monday's Top Four decider is bound to be the most entertaining game of the weekend. While the contestants edged out understrength Avoca and Three Rock Rovers sides, Pembroke would enjoy the boost of retaining this trophy while Railway will he seeking consolation for their disputed end of season frustrations last March.

Next week in Cork, the focus will be on the Irish Schools Championship. RBAI will be favourites to take the laurels again but a particularly strong challenge is expected to come from Newpark and Ashton.