’Quins out to prove they’re not a fading force

CORK HARLEQUINS will be keen to prove they are not a national force on the wane by making life difficult for holders Pembroke Wanderers as the second round of the men’s Irish Hockey League swings into action tomorrow.

Very little went the way of Stephen Dale’s side in last season’s competition, and this term they have already exited the Irish Senior Cup – a title they claimed in 2006 – with a shock defeat to YMCA last weekend, as well as losing their first IHL clash to Corinthian.

Heading to the capital to face the country’s top team is hardly the ideal fixture in which to seek redemption – especially with defensive lynchpin Jason Black ruled out with a fractured collarbone.