Friday, November 20, 2009
EACH of Munster’s three representatives in the women’s Irish Hockey League will be seeking capital gains this weekend as all face tricky trips to Dublin for the second round of the competition – where they will renew acquaintances with former team-mates.
Cork Harlequins’ visit Railway Union is the most enticing tie on paper, with both sides sitting atop Pool A having picked up bonus points in their opening-day wins over Cork C of I and Ards.
Quins’ vastly-experienced of Cliodhna Sargent, Rachael Kohler and Karen Bateman are tasked with quelling the influence of the Leinster league leaders, who once again have been propelled by Jean McDonnell, Emma Smyth and Isobel Joyce.
Railway’s Cork camogie star Emer Dillon should be in for an interesting evening too, as she attempts to out one over her old club.
The other marquee tie in the pool sees C of I visit Pembroke Wanderers, with both sides struggling for different reasons. The hosts’ league form has been indifferent, while C of I haven’t seen any pitch time whatsoever in the past month.
Pembroke coach Natalie Fulton nonetheless insists her side "will come out fighting and are ready for the challenge", none more so than Karen Hales, whose sister Jenifer will be captaining C of I. The final game in the pool is an all-Ulster affair between Ballymoney and Ards.
The visit of UCC to Belfield to take on Hermes is the highlight of Pool B, especially so given the number of alumni of the Cork college lining out for the Dubliners.
Their most recent recruit, Áine Connery, faces her old team-mates for the first time since her October move, and her battle on the left with former College co-captain Ali O’Connor should be worth the admission fee alone.
College’s season has nose-dived somewhat since their hammering of Randalstown that has them sitting atop the pool, with Ulster Elks and Ards dumping them out of the intervarsities and Irish Senior Cup respectively.
But their hopes of getting a positive result here have been buoyed by the news that Ireland U18 starlets Chloe Watkins and Gillian Pinder will miss out for Hermes – who have endured a stuttering start to their season – while the vastly experienced Linda Caulfield’s participation is also in doubt.
IHL holders Loreto’s trip to Belfast powerhouses Pegasus is the other highlight of the pool, while Old Alex will be looking to inflict further misery on Randalstown when they visit the Antrim Forum.
The primary focus for the remainder of Munster’s Division One sides is the Irish Trophy. UCC and Galway must hit the road to lock horns with Belfast Harlequins and Weston in the men’s competition, with Catholic Institute hosting Newry.
The Limerick outfit’s women are also at home, to Skerries, as are Bandon and Ashton, who welcome North Down and Priorians, while Waterford are Belfast-bound to take on Queens University.
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