DESPITE the fact that Cork Harlequins have beaten today’s Irish Senior Women’s Cup opponents Knock in the competition for the past two years, coach Ivan Bateman is taking nothing for granted in the third round encounter at Harlequin Park (hit off 1.30pm).

Ireland’s women have lost their three-match series against the USA after a 4-1 defeat in California gave the hosts an unassailable lead with one game to play.

IRISH ladies hockey coach Riet Kuper has named a squad of 20 to travel to America next month as preparations intensify ahead of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland from March 19-28.

Five uncapped players have been named in the Irish women’s hockey squad to play three Test matches in the USA next month.

MUNSTER bridged an eight years gap when winning the ladies senior hockey interprovincial title at Harlequin Park, Cork - drawing with Leinster and taking the honours in fine style against Ulster and Connacht.

MUNSTER revived their hopes of retaining the men’s hockey Interprovincial Championship by beating Ulster at Harlequins Park yesterday but it was Connacht ladies who commanded the spotlight.