Mid-term report: Men's divisional round-up

Division Three:
As proved last year, the myriad factors associated with division three success make it one of the toughest leagues to predict with Monkstown and Corinthian needing a playoff to eventually decide the destination of the title.

A similar situation looks likely this time out with a tie for first between the reds and Three Rock Rovers with both sides using the tried and trusted method of young stars guided by elder statesmen. Rovers have used a strong nucleus from the Wesley All-Ireland school’s winning side guided by Ross Varian, Ross Harris, Graeme Dowling and Stephen Bredin.

Corinthian, meanwhile, draw on the wiles of Stephen Williams and their share of young Wes players. They struck twice inside the last ten minutes to beat their Rathfarnham rivals 3-2 in one of the season’s key fixtures. Monkstown are three points off the pace with a game in hand and are very much in the running.

Pembroke are lurking a place back with Duncan McKeen still marshalling the defence and Frenchman Antoine Bruneau stepping into the keeper’s berth. Maurice Elliott continues to be one of the league’s most potent forces when called upon. Elsewhere, Dublin Uni have been more of a nuisance than previous years, notching five wins to date to enjoy their highest position since rising up through the leagues.

Division Four:
Pembroke thirds 100pc record may have been wiped out by reigning champions Corinthian in early December but Dave Wilson-Moore’s charges remain very much the team to beat with nine wins from ten. Their first away day of 2010, though, could prove vital as they travel to second placed Mullingar.

’Gar are unbeaten in league action to date, drawing inspiration from their run to the inaugural Irish Hockey Challenge. Tom Bowers is the powerhouse in the engine room and a win there could open up what previously looked a sewn up title charge.
Clontarf seconds’ improvement continues and they hold third place with six wins from nine.

Division Five:
Naas have enjoyed their drop from division two to five and take an eight point lead into 2010 as they look to find their natural level in the provincial pecking order with Peter Young and Angus Dunlop still holding the fort.

Weston seconds can catch them should they win their three games in hand while Portrane’s bid to bounce straight back from relegation is still in order. Former Glenanne man Nasir Munir is at the helm there and has been in rude scoring form, bagging five in a recent 6-4 win over Three Rock fourths.

Skerries also may have a part to play in the shake-up, too, since being relocated in division five. They have showed up well but have a wealth of games to catch up on. They will have to do so without Brian McMahon, though, who has recently made the switch to Clontarf.

Division Six:
Monkstown fifths and Dublin Uni thirds are embroiled currently in a two-horse race with one point separating the pair at the turn of the year. Trinity have been ever presents in the top three of whichever league they have frequented for the past six years and look well set to continue the trend and Mike Sexton appears to be leading his side in a similar direction. The Town have won five consecutive games since falling 3-1 to the Trin and hold the balance of power with the point advantage and a game in hand. Fingal thirds head the chase, five points off the pace.

Division Seven:
Athy’s entry onto the Leinster hockey circuit has proved a massive success to date, unbeaten in eight games and a commanding nine points clear of the pack with large turnouts for every fixture to date. Formed at the start of the season, the club primarily draws from former rugby players who had played hockey in their school days but have found their feet in jig-time.
Three Rock fifths take up second place after relegation last time out with Derek Squire organising the team. Mullingar seconds and UCD thirds have games in hand and could close the gap.

Division Eight:
Smithfield head a pack of four teams covered by just three points at the top of division eight with a record built around a perfect home record with four successes to date. St James’ Gate seconds hold onto second promotion position at the moment though Fingal fourths are very much in contention as is Wicklow’s team who are in a tie for third but have games in hand on each of their title rivals.