Ashton, Quins through on penalty shoot-outs

CORK clubs Ashton and Harlequins had to endure the agony of penalty stroke shoots out on Saturday before advancing to the next round of the Odlums sponsored Women’s Irish Junior Hockey Cup.

After extra time had failed to produce a goal in Dublin, Ashton converted four penalties to defeat Corinthians seconds 4-3 with the scores coming from Player of the Match Aine Cummins, Michelle O’Brien, Wendy Keenan and Jean Casey.

A rewarding trip to Antrim also for Cork Harlequins who ended Greenisland’s hopes in a thriller.

There was no score in normal time but Gillian Mountjoy edged Quins ahead in the second period of extra-time only for Jane Ewart to level matters with a penalty flick.

In the shoot out it was Harlequins who regained the lead when Rachel O’Byrne cooly slotted home a crucial goal.

Julia O’Halloran, the hat-trick star of the previous week, added another and the spoils of victory went Quins way.

No joy for Wexford and Enniscorthy who bowed out to Pembroke Wanderers and Clontarf respectively.

After a well contested first half which saw Wexford equal to the best that Pembroke could produce, there was no denying the superior side on the change of ends with Pembroke scoring three without reply.

Wexford’s Tricia Mennis felt her side was in with every chance of taking the lead in that opening half but just did not avail of the opportunities. From there on, however, she said Pembroke were stronger all round and deserved their victory.

For fellow county side Enniscorthy, the finish proved a heartbreak as Clontarf hit the winner in the final 30 seconds. The Dublin side struck first blood but Paula Rankin’s equaliser had looked good enough to bring the tie to extra-time - only for that late, late Clontarf strike.

Cork Harlequins, Ashton, Pembroke Wanderers and Clontarf join Ulster teams, Pegasus and Ards, as well as Old Alexandra and Hermes from Dublin in today’s quarter final draw.

In Division One of the Munster League Harlequins had to work hard for their 2-1 win over UCC at the Mardyke yesterday.

Carrie O’Callaghan scored to put them in front and Karen Bateman made it 2-0 just before half-time.

But UCC never gave up and Sinead Connery scored just after half-time to put them back in with a chance.

In the end just about deserved their win.