Harlequins star Gash vows to put friendship aside in pursuit of Cup glory

IT is more than a little ironic that Cork Harlequins ace striker Richard Gash and Cork Church of Ireland’s Mark Ruddle are best friends.

Their friendship will be put to one side Saturday when the two clash in the fourth round of the Irish Senior Cup at Garryduff.

“There is always a bit of slagging when we play each other as to who is going to be scoring and who is going to be saving. Saturday won’t be any different,’’ Gash admits.

The Harlequins marksman admits it is unfortunate that the two Cork teams have been drawn against each other yet again in this competition for the third time in five years.

“It was unlucky this draw came out of the hat again this year, because I think everyone at both clubs would like to have been kept apart for a while yet. But we just have to get on with it.

“It is an impossible game to call and matches between us in recent years have always been really close.

“We did beat them in the league earlier this season but the 5-1 scoreline probably flattered us a little. This will be different and it will all be down to what happens on the day.

“It might even depend on who gets the first score because in matches like this it is always tougher when you’re trying to chase the other team,” Gash says.

The Harlequins man reckons that apart from John Aherne, who picked up an injury in the Peard Cup loss to C of I over Christmas, the team are pretty much “in the clear”.

“I’ve had my own injury problems in recent years, but thankfully I’ve maintained my fitness this season and that helps with momentum. I’ve been in reasonable form and have been scoring a few this year, so I hope to carry that form into Saturday.

“You always want to do well in the Cup and we have done reasonably well in recent years, but as the holders we’re the ones everybody wants to beat. I’m reasonably confident we can do it again.”

Gash admits the input of Harlequins three current internationals, Sean Nicholson and the Black brothers Mark and Jason, will provide impetus this weekend — despite their recent exertions with the Irish men’s team in South Africa.

“Mark and Seanie played last weekend against Bandon (Harlequins won 5-0), while Jason was given a bit more recovery time, but I think the three of them will be ready,” he says.

Though Quins lead the Munster Senior League, the striker agrees they’ve had to overcome a few scares this season.

“Bandon gave us a fright in the season opener and were 2-0 before we came back to beat them 3-2 and we also struggled against our own seconds. So, we will have to be on top form if we are to win on Saturday. We’ve no problem going to Garryduff for the match and I think that their water-based pitch actually suits some of our players. I think it definitely suits my own style because I love the pace of the game on that surface and I enjoy playing on it. It’s not going to be an inconvenience.

“I can’t wait for the game and I just hope I’ll get a few chances and maybe even score. No doubt Mark (Ruddle) in the C of I goal will be aiming to disappoint me in that regard, but I’ll be trying hard to beat him too.”