UCC blunder costs them two points

UNIVERSITY College Cork’s off-field woes continue with the news they have been docked two women’s Irish Hockey League points for fielding an ineligible player.

The Irish Hockey Association yesterday confirmed the sanction after the college side fielded a player from outside their named 30-strong squad in the 4-1 away loss to Loreto on February 6. UCC LHC did not appeal the decision.

Last November, UCC were handed a five-point deduction for fielding ineligible players in two Munster league games at the beginning of the season. However, this was reduced to a one-point sanction on appeal.

In Leinster, Railway Union’s ladies were deducted four points for a similar offence in October.

The sanction has all but ended College’s already slim hopes of advancing from Pool B of the women’s Irish Hockey League, where they play Pegasus – who know victory will guarantee them a semi-final spot – at the Mardyke tomorrow (1pm).

Also in Pool A, Catholic Institute must keep Loreto at bay in Limerick to maintain their hopes of a last four berth.

Elsewhere, Leinster league leaders Hermes should be too strong at home to winless Belfast Harlequins

Surprise Pool B leaders UCD will have their mettle tested as they travel to a Cork Harlequins side hell-bent on avenging their golden goal defeat in the Irish Senior Cup.

The winner of Railway Union’s visit to Armagh will be in pole position for a semi-final spot heading into next weekend’s final round. Ballymoney meet Ards with both sides needing a win to keep their interest piqued.

In the men’s competition, the goals are sure to flow at Harlequin Park as Monkstown visit Cork Harlequins.

Quins’ interest is largely academic, but they won this tie 3-2 last year and will be keen to put a dent in in-form Monkstown’s bid to overtake Pool B leaders Pembroke.

Pembroke have endured a three-game winless streak as the goals have dried up and the injury list grows.

That makes their trip to Banbridge all the more fraught, though the hosts have been similarly goal-shy in recent outings. Conversely, YMCA are at full strength for the visit of Instonians.

In Pool A, Corinthians host Cork Church of Ireland hoping they can somehow replace the invention of the absent Davy Carson up front.

Glenanne visit Annadale intent on avenging their shock Irish Senior Cup defeat, while Lisnagarvey aim to drive a final nail into Cookstown’s hopes as they make the trip across Ulster.

Domestically, Bandon and Catholic Institute’s men begin the first leg of back-to-back league clashes, while in the women’s competition, Bandon host Ashton in the battle for fourth place and Belvedere take on Cork Church of Ireland.