Cork C of I desperate for crucial victory

CORK Church of Ireland know nothing but victory at home to Ulster kingpins Cookstown tomorrow will do to keep their hopes of reaching the Irish Hockey League semi-finals alive.

Cookstown, who are also in a win-or-bust scenario, will provide another stern physical test.

Elsewhere in Pool B, leaders Lisnagarvey can confirm their place in the last four if they can shock second-placed Glenanne in Tallaght. Three Rock’s visit to Annadale is largely academic, with neither side able to qualify for the last four.

In Pool A, Pembroke Wanderers resume domestic duties following their EuroHockey League adventure in Rotterdam with a home tie against Corinthian.

Victory will assure the holders – who currently lead Corinthian by four points – a place in the semi-finals.

Banbridge will be looking to keep themselves in the shake-up by winning their home tie with Monkstown, while Cork Harlequins trek to Belfast keen on ending Instonians’ faint hopes of a semi-final berth.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Rosbrien to see what the latest twist in a fascinating climax to the Munster women’s league will be, as Catholic Institute host UCC knowing that the loser’s title hopes will go up in smoke.

Both sides will be without their Irish internationals, which is likely to affect College more, as they lose both the spine of their side and their primary corner threat without sweeper and captain Audrey O’Flynn, and midfielder Julia O’Halloran.

Eimear Cregan’s forward power will also be a major loss to Institute, but her absence does not, arguably, cause the same level of disruption.

Cork Harlequins are in the driving seat to make it 15 league wins in a row, having taken five points from a possible six in their double-header with College, and they should take maximum points from their visit to basement side UL.

With Quins facing Institute next weekend, the maths are simple for both sides – win their remaining two games, and they will finish top of the pile.

But should College leave Limerick with three points, they could then take the title if Institute do them a favour by beating Quins.

Fourth-placed C of I are no longer in the title race, but know six points from their back-to-back clashes with Ashton could still see them claim a place in the IHL wildcard playoffs, should Institute falter.

Elsewhere, Sports Minister Mary Hanafin will officially open North Kildare’s new €500,000 astro-turf pitch in Kilcock tomorrow, kicking off a weekend-long festival of hockey at the Maws.