MAXIMUM energy was needed by Pembroke Wanderers at Serpentine Avenue on Saturday, first to draw 2-2 with Three Rock Rovers in the Leinster Senior League, and then for several members of the first XI to engage in a robust dismissal of Corinthians II (3-2, after extra time) in the Irish Junior Cup semi-final.
Before Three Rock had settled from the week's domesticity, they were hit by a fired-up Wanderers side playing their most effective hockey of the season. Ross McMullen struck early from a short corner, and after 17-year-old Shane Davey (deputising for the injured Anthony O'Neill) had kept out a flurry of shots, Jamie McBride made it 2-0 from a penalty stroke with merely 10 minutes gone.
McBride, however, subsequently hoisted a penalty over the bar. Although Devin Donnelly, in midfield. and Colin Kelly, at the back, had been particularly assertive for the home side, Rovers seemed to sense that they could salvage a point to maintain their advantage (if diminished) over Avoca at the top of the table.
Liam Canning whipped two corners to the net early in the second half, and with Angus Dunlop being especially resolute, there was rarely a threat of Pembroke poaching a winner. Indeed, Nigel Henderson was obliged to save sharply at the other end from Canning and Gary Ringwood.
With just a 15-minute breather, Paudie Carley, Ian Battle and Trevor Dunne, as well as David Johnston, were back in action for the Pembroke second XI. They played strong roles, with the indefatigable Carley (switching to the attack) providing considerable menace to the Corinthians rearguard along with Dunne.
It was Dunne who scored from the first set piece. But Dave Grit" fin was given an opportunity to equalise, and while Carley restored the lead before the interval, Pembroke found that their passage was being stoutly disputed in the second half.
Ian Walshe marshalled the Corinthians defence with assurance and, with Griffin and Dave McFeely resisting spiritedly in midfield, opportunities began to present themselves up front not only for Colin Stewart but also for Graham Caulwell.
Griffin duly sent Caulwell through to make it 2-2, and Corinthians might well have snatched a winner but for the total concentration of Duncan McKeen in keeping Stewart out of range. In extra time, Carley found an opening for Dunne to slot home the decisive goal for Pembroke, who appear to have developed an abrasive touch to trouble Banbridge II in the final on March 30th.
In beating Annadale III, 5-0, the seasoned Co Down side have reached the decider for the third season in succession. defeating Pembroke in 1994 but losing to Glenanne II last year.
