’Quins clinch semi-final spot

CORK Harlequins came out on top in their clash with Church of Ireland in the ladies hockey’s Munster Senior Cup on Saturday. A Karen Bateman goal with five minutes to go saw them win 3-2 in a close and physical game.

Hosts Church of Ireland had the better of the early play and took the lead in the ninth minute when a great ball from Amy Roberts put Hollie Moffett in to score. Karen Bateman equalised from a penalty corner, and Quins went into the break in front when Norma Brady and Marissa Ahern set up Jane Chapple to put them 2-1 up.

It remained like that until six minutes from the end, when Deirdre Casey equalised from a penalty corner.

From the re-start Harlequins won a penalty and Bateman struck again to make it 3-2. They will now face Ashton in the semi-final as they bid to win their 11th Munster Senior Cup in a row. Catholic Institute await the winners in the final - they defeated UL 2-1 on Saturday, with Aoife Kenny and Christine O’Shea on target for the winners. Elaine Hall replied.