Munster bridge gap to claim ladies’ crown

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.

Determination and unflinching spirit, allied to a high degree of skill, were the hallmarks of their success as, having come under pressure on several occasions, they responded magnificently to reward die-hard fans whose support was well tested in atrocious weather conditions.

On the opening day they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with champions Leinster - inspiring captain Karen Bateman netting on both occasions.

Ulster then provided the opposition, and a match of high quality and exciting play was decided a minute before half-time when Cathy Kenefick’s touch from a Bateman penalty corner drive beat goalkeeper Jenny Gibson.

Munster had done well to keep their own goal intact prior to this, however, as Suzanne Beaney, Kim Mills and the Parkhills, Clare and Shauna, looked dangerous.

As the game progressed, Munster’s combination was a telling factor and the opposition found it difficult to contain the fine runs by Bateman, Rachel Kohler, Eimear Cregan, Nikki Lyons, Emer Dillon and Jane Chapple while the defence in which goalkeeper Rosita Wolfe, Elaine Bromell, Alma Carey, Ruth Kingston and Fiona Connery were outstanding, yielded little.

The woodwork denied Bateman, a second goal but in the closing minues three Ulster penalty corners in succession in the final two minutes caused anxious moments for the home side.

As a result of the win, Munster shared top spot with Leinster in the points table and the goal difference was the same, at plus one.

Therefore, a good result against Connacht was essential and, after a scoreless first-half, Munster got the breakthrough in the 38th minute when Emer Dillon beat goalkeeper Tara Brown with a great shot.

Connacht’s cause was not helped by the sin binning of Orla Ryan but their resolute defence held firm until the 54th minute when Bateman scored her third goal of the championship following a splendidly worked penalty corner move.

Leinster now needed two goals against Ulster in the final match to draw level with Munster but they were rocked when Catherine Maybin gave the Northerners a first-half lead.

Leinster had numerous chances after this but their only reward was an equaliser from Ciara O’Brien.

And so the victory spoils went to Munster whose backroom team of John McGrath (coach) and Tricia Lane (manager) had called the right shots at the right time in each of their encounters.