Top clubs facing league and cup juggling act

THE country’s top hockey clubs are fighting battles on dual fronts this weekend, with vital league clashes mixed in with the novelty of the start of their Irish Junior Cup campaign.

A handful of players will therefore be in action twice in 24 hours, potentially at opposite ends of the country. UCC’s men will be hoping there are no ill-effects from an IJC trip to Antrim’s Mossley when their firsts meet Catholic Institute at the Mardyke on Sunday — their first clash against an outfit outside last year’s top three in Munster.

Institute may have revenge on their minds after shipping a 5-1 defeat in the Irish Trophy before Christmas, and have shocked the students in the past. But if College’s Gray brothers Roger and Andy bring their drag-flicking A-game, it should give the hosts a first league win of the season.

Cork Harlequins will also have plenty of travel in their legs; their seconds face South Antrim away before the firsts host Cork C of I B at home on Sunday where they will expect to maintain their 100% league record.

The tie of the weekend takes place at Garryduff on Sunday, where Cork C of I will expect to be fully tested by Bandon.

C of I may be without John Jermyn and Billy Lynch due to international commitments, and Bandon — who will look to Andrew Scannell, Ali Smith and David Smith to do goal-scoring damage — will know a result of any kind will provide a significant boost to their Irish Hockey League qualification hopes.

Meanwhile, Catholic Institute’s women will be confident of putting Ashton to the sword as the Limerick girls visit Cork looking to make it eight wins from eight in the league this term.

UCC are leading the chasing pack, five points behind Institute with a game in hand. They will be confident of picking up three points from their home clash with Cork C of I — formerly a bogey side for the students, but now in mid-table as they undergo a period of transition.

Cork Harlequins should also stay in touch with a win at winless Belvedere, while Bandon will fancy their chances of doing the double over UL with victory in Limerick.

In Leinster, men’s joint league leaders Glenanne welcome Fingal — a side they have struggled against on occasion — to Tallaght while YMCA, tied with Glens at the top on 16 points, will not be expected to slip up at home to UCD. Third-placed Pembroke Wanderers will look to take out their frustration from last week’s loss to Glens on basement side Weston.

Women’s pace-setters Hermes visit fourth-placed Old Alex in the tie of the day, with Loreto, Railway Union and UCD all expected to realise maximum points from Glenanne, Bray and Trinity respectively.