THE dilemma for Three Rock Rovers is who to field at sweeper in place of Angus Dunlop when they bid to succeed Pembroke Wanderers as champions in the all Ireland play offs at Serpentine Avenue this weekend.

In remaining unbeaten in the Leinster League and conceding only six goals in 17 matches, Rovers counted on Dunlop as one of the main stays of the defence with his straight bat and accurate hitting through the covers. But cricket for Ireland now takes him away, leaving the captain Robin Madeley and coach Noel Keogh to come up with the most astute solution.

One option would be a reshuffle, with Stephen Walker, Andrew Walker and Liam Canning each taking a step backwards and Dave Sterritt or Simon Walker figuring in the starting line up. Top marksman Canning might prefer to be less marked in a four man midfield, leaving the eager Gordon Elliott and Gary Ringwood to do the scampering up front.

The opening match of the tournament, involving Three Rock and Cork C of I this evening should provide a fair deal of open running and uninhibition. C of I have built up their best side since the halcyon late 60s as was shown in darting into the lead through Darren Hanna in the Irish Senior Cup semi final against Lisnagarvey before Robbie Taylor responded decisively.

Instonians, though, must take the mantle of favourites this weekend. Having come through the hard grind in Ulster, as well as gaining a berth for Avoca in the A division of the European Cup Winners Cup next season, the side has durability (exemplified by the Cooke brothers) and is strong on the basics.

The one frustration for skipper Paul Hollway is that his attackers have not scored as freely as might be expected but Mark Irwin looked pretty menacing in the Interprovincial Championship a week ago and Jon Atkins may now be ready to put away a goal or two.