Harlequins draw first blood in annual showdown

HEAVYWEIGHTS on the bill again in Cork, but a week after the Multi-Nations boxing event, the knockout blow was delivered by an Irish hockey international.

Two dates a season define the game's Munster Senior League, one pre and one post the holiday season at Christmas. Even the chasing pack cocked an ear Saturday to await the scoreline from the meeting of Church of Ireland and Harlequins at Cork's Garryduff complex.

Eight full Irish internationals sprinkled were between Cork's great hockey rivals, with bragging rights, league points and a favourable seeding for the All-Ireland club championship on offer.