Passmore adds the extra dimension

HARLEQUINS have gone the extra yard in their efforts to win the Irish Senior Cup for the first time this season by recruiting David Passmore, a member of the British Association’s coaching staff.

Passmore is coach to England's U21 ladies' team who were European Cup silver medal winners last season.

Harlequins extended an invitation to Passmore to assist in the training of their senior team and their achievement in qualifying for the final was testimony to the success of the Stephen Dale/Passmore combination.

Passmore has assumed the responsibilities of technical director to the senior team.

"I have helped as best I can in the technical play, the tactical play and the fitness play, within the senior squad," he said.

"Instonians are favourites, of course. We did not expect to get to the final so that should help us to go out and enjoy the game more.

"We have worked very hard on our penalty corners this week but hopefully it will not come down to corners that it will be a more open game.

"Harlequins play a nice brand of hockey so we will be stressing the importance of playing our own game and enjoying that rather than worrying about the opposition."

Coach Stephen Dale hopes to have a full squad of players available, the four players receiving treatment would have a fitness test today to confirm their state of health John Hobbs, who damaged a hamstring, John Aherne, with a back injury, Sean Nicholson, who strained a calf muscle, and Mark Black who received a facial cut last time out.