Glennane hoping to clinch last 16 spot
The Tallaght side have an early start today in Terrassa, Spain against German powerhouses Mannheimer, but skipper Joe Brennan says it’s the clash with Grunwald 24 hours later that is the top priority.
Assuming Mannheimer justify their favourites tag and win both games, Glens know victory over Grunwald — who they are meeting for the third time in recent years — will see them emerge from the three-team pool.
After a great effort against UHC last year, Glens collapsed against Grunwald, losing 6-1, but Brennan believes two early morning starts and a slightly longer rest period between ties leaves them in better shape to challenge.
“Obviously it’s going to come down to the Grunwald game. It’s the third time we’ve met them so we really want to turn them over,” he told HookHockey.com.
“Although we were beaten by Grunwald well last year, we do feel very confident we can do it. There wasn’t much turnaround time and played in a fair bit of heat which didn’t help.
“This year, although we’re playing very early in the morning, I think it could suit us. It will be tough against Grunwald; we’ll have to be smart in the Mannheimer game, see how that game is going and, if need be, maybe rest a couple of players and make sure we’re fresh for the second day.”
Grunwald boast 13 internationals in their squad of 18, but recently suffered their biggest defeat in 15 years, falling 7-3 to Pomorzanin Torun, and Brennan sees chinks in their armour.
“That’s good for us. It might not be the same team as the last couple of years that have been Polish champions and maybe they’re an aging team.
“The guys are feeling really good, training really well. We’re still unbeaten this season so the mood is good. As long as our work-rate is high, which I expect it to be, we should be in with a shout.”
Domestically, Cork Church of Ireland host Cork Harlequins in the Munster women’s top flight at Garryduff tomorrow (2.30pm).
Quins were downed 3-1 by leaders Catholic Institute last weekend, and will be keen to prove a changing of the guard is not imminent, having won the last 15 titles.
Bandon welcome Institute to west Cork hoping to become the first side to take points off the high-flying Limerick ladies, while UCC must hope there is no hangover from their intervarsities campaign when they host ever-improving Ashton.
Belvedere can steal a march at the bottom of the table when they face UL, the only other side with no points to their name this term. On a quiet weekend in the men’s league, Cork Harlequins will be expected to take three points from their visit to C of I B.
