Rock aim to pop Cork in Junior Cup decider

THREE Rock Rovers’ second team will bid to take the final step on the road to the Irish Junior Cup on Sunday when they face off against Cork Church of Ireland in the decider.

The Rathfarnham side, which has yet to concede a goal in the competition, is still on track for a possible treble having also made the last four of the Railway Cup where they will face Bray while also securing the Leinster Division Two title followed an unbeaten run with 15 wins from 16 outings.

While they have not yet shipped a goal in this season’s Junior Cup, Three Rock have amassed 20 in their four games in the competition so far.

The team carded 3-0 wins over both Cookstown and Railway Union in the opening two rounds before serving up an 11-0 drubbing to South Antrim in the last eight.

And in the semi-finals, goals from Dylan Shirley, Peter Lynch and Shane Madeley propelled them to yet another 3-0 victory over Bandon.

Yet Cork, who saw off Glenanne in their respective semi-final fixture, are sure to provide a much stronger challenge given that they are the reigning champions and can call on former Irish international David Hobbs, while Simon Dring is their key man in front of goal.

Rock boasts a good blend of youth and experience with Alan Bothwell, Peter McConnell and former international Peter Blakeney all part of the Irish Senior Cup winning side of 2014.

The latter is just back from an ACL knee injury and has hit five goals since returning to action in late February.

Shirley is the team’s top scorer with Shane Madeley their other key man in attack, particularly from penalty corners.

There is no shortage of young blood in the Three Rock panel with Rob McCollum, Alex Flynn, Luke Adams, Alex O’Regan, Peter Lynch, Ali Empey and Matthew Walker all handed Irish Under-18 trials this season.

Cameron Ruttle and Sam Ryder are two other young stars in contention for selection while David Storey captains the side with Luke McSharry an important figure in midfield.