Player chaos for Quins and UCC

CORK HARLEQUINS are sweating on the availability of a number of key players ahead of tomorrow’s women’s Munster Senior League Division One title playoff against UCC at Garryduff (4.30pm).

Teen prodigy Acacia Taylor, scorer of both goals in the 2-2 draw against Catholic Institute last weekend, is out of the country, while others are seeking to re-arrange family holidays and prior commitments.

UCC have problems of their own, with many of their players in the midst of exams.

The chaos comes against a backdrop of a midweek disagreement between the clubs and the Munster branch regarding the fixture.

As the clubs missed a Tuesday afternoon deadline to fix the game themselves, the branch set a Saturday date at Garryduff.

However, confusion reigned as UCC and Quins subsequently agreed to play on Wednesday night at the Mardyke, which was not approved by the branch fixtures committee. That never went ahead, so the Saturday fixture now stands.

Definitely missing for the fixture are the sides’ Irish internationals, Julia O’Halloran, Audrey O’Flynn (both UCC) and Cliodhna Sargent (Quins), who are involved in the World Cup qualification campaign in Chile.

The need for a playoff arose as the sides finished deadlocked on 36 points for the second year running. Golden goal extra time and penalty strokes will be utilised in the event of a stalemate. Quins won 3-2 on home turf last time out to claim their 14th straight title.

Meanwhile, the men’s Irish Hockey League pool stages reach a conclusion this weekend, with three semi-final spots up for grabs.

Pembroke have already qualified out of Pool A, with the winner of the Corinthian vs Instonians tie likely to join them, though they could be usurped by Banbridge if they pull off a bonus-point win at Cork Harlequins.

Glenanne and Lisnagarvey, tied on 11 points, are in pole position in Pool B. ‘Garvey host Cork C of I while Glens are at home to basement side Annadale. Cookstown could yet steal a last four berth if they win at home to Three Rock Rovers and other results go their way.