MEN'S HOCKEY:THERE IS a creeping concern that Pembroke Wanderers might outgrow the Leinster Senior League this season, or, that they have already done so.
While teams have dominated in Leinster before. going back to the 1980s (Avoca) and 1970s (YMCA), never had either club knocked in the goals the way Pembroke are doing at the moment.
After three matches they have scored 28 times. Railway Union, Clontarf and UCD took the brunt of those fusillades, Railway immediately after Pembroke had returned from a successful trip to Barcelona where they qualified for the next stage of the European Hockey League and UCD on Tuesday.
With synthetic pitches goals have come a lot easier than they used to on grass or all-weather gravel, especially at short corners, but even factoring that in, Pembroke’s start has been spectacular. Doubtlessly their targets now are in Europe and not Ireland, although, obviously one follows the other.
The danger for Pembroke could be that the week to week competition falls far below what they need to be truly competitive in Europe. A good result against Kelburne in the EHL also came with a 6-1 hammering from Rotterdam. The frustration for Pembroke could be that they may never reach the level of the Dutch or German club sides banging in nine goals a game in Dublin.
This weekend in Alexandra College might be a better measure as a talented YMCA face them in by far their stiffest match of the season.
Under the guidance of Trevor Dagg, YMCA have been showing signs of improvement, although a 2-1 win over UCD was a modest enough result. Saturday will show just how far Dagg has taken YMCA, although, he may well have wished for a later date in the calendar to measure his team against the club to beat this year.
Three Rock Rovers’ meeting with Glenanne is the pick of the weekend matches and if any side can front up to Pembroke it is the side from Tallaght. Tomorrow’s meeting in Grange Road between two clubs that have cultured an engaging rivalry should be testy as usual.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday– Leinster Senior League, Division One: Fingal v Railway Union, ALSAA, 2.15pm; Monkstown v Clontarf, Rathdown, 1.30pm; Three Rock Rovers v Glenanne, Grange Road, 3pm; UCD v Corinthians, Belfield, 1pm; YMCA v Pembroke Wanderers, Alexandra College Milltown, 2:15pm.
