Justin Sherriff, a prolific marksman for the Ireland under-21s in Padua, went close - if in more modest circles - to emulating Michael Owen on Saturday. Sherriff's hat-trick against Pembroke Wanderers at Serpentine Avenue saw Monkstown sweep into a 3-0 lead for the third time in successive matches but twice they have come away with a only a point, for Pembroke, like Glenanne before them, succeeded in salvaging a 3-3 draw.

Sherriff lashed home a first-half goal and prompted by Ian Allen and Cliff Bailey, continued to plunder the Pembroke defence after the interval, scoring from a wide angle and then direct from a short corner. Possibly, Monks town needed to bring an extra man into midfield, for Pembroke would not lie down and drove forward in waves which Glen Bailey managed to subdue defiantly - but the Shamrocks goalkeeper could not stem every attack.

First, Paudie Carley placed Peter Young to reduce the deficit from a set piece before Munster veteran Andy Cooke came off the bench, sending Max Lanos through for his side's second goal, and then putting away the equaliser himself with three minutes to spare. Ultimately, Sherriff had a chance to snatch victory (and match Owen's four) but Nigel Henderson tipped his shot over the bar.

So, while Pembroke remain unbeaten, they drop down the table behind Corinthians and Railway Union, with Three Rock Rovers holding first place. Rovers, though, found themselves restricted at Grange Road to a 2-1 win over Aer Lingus who, indeed, might well have captured a share of the spoils. Christian Judd finished off two of Three Rock's more numerous attacks, with Dave Bane netting a rebound to make it 1-1 at one stage and being unlucky not to be awarded a last-minute equaliser.

There was a strong South African influence in Railway Union's 2-1 defeat of Glenanne at Park Avenue. Graham Berry, taking a pass from the alert Stephen Moulton, scored his eighth goal since his arrival and while Paul O'Brien increased the lead in the second half, Glenanne replied through Paul Fitzpatrick and pressed strongly in a bid to make up lost ground. But the latest overseas player to hit Dublin, David Staniforth, a Springbok under-21 goalkeeper, ensured that his new club took full points.

Avoca, if awaiting reinforcements, remain not far off the pace and it was some encouragement for YMCA that they matched the former champions to a degree before losing 3-1 at Ballinteer. Colm Brady created an opening goal for Anton Scott but a YM equaliser fell to Michael Fry before a setpice "dipper" from David Hanna put Avoca ahead again. Holding sufficient possession for a spell in the second half, the visitors pulled clear with Dave Fanning being rewarded in supporting a break by Enda Gallanagh.

For today's Stephen Doyle Trophy final at the Iveagh Grounds, Corinthians - 3-0 winners at Kilkenny on Saturday - may feel they can contain Glenanne and counter attack decisively through Paul Armitage and Colin Stewart. Yet, with both sides in the decider for the first time, it is bound to be a decider of some substance, particularly if Dessie Farrell were to reappear for Glenanne to make it an International Rules game.