Weekend preview...

So, where to start this weekend? In both men’s and women’s leagues there are absolutely massive encounters. Glenanne against Pembroke on Sunday is the obvious fixture that stands out on the men’s side. Both have 100 percent record so far and whilst Pembroke’s results have been more clear-cut, the Glens have an uncanny knack of winning in their head to heads.

The Neville Cup match last week proved that Wanderers need to kill off the game better as they almost conceded a final minute equalizer. Both also have big matches on Saturday playing TRR and Monkstown. Neither opponent will be a pushover and dropped points will raise the importance of Sunday's face-off. All internationals will be playing this weekend, their last domestic action for some time.

On the women’s side, Pembroke’s ladies face an enticing fixture against Railway. They have been the two outstanding sides so far this season and show definite signs of breaking the stranglehold Loreto and Hermes have on the title. Whilst I’ve said it before, a win over a rival at the top of this league is becoming increasingly more important. With the teams at the top so closely matched, it has led to a glut of draws and four unbeaten sides going into the Christmas period. Pembroke’s draw with Hermes on Monday shows they have the appetite for the battle.

Elsewhere, the Railway Cup gets under way, with Pembroke seconds looking to retain one part of their quadruple, starting off with Corinthians 3rds.