Clontarf stand in way as UCC take a shot at history

IT’S a potentially history-making weekend for UCC as they lock horns with Clontarf in the semi-final of the men’s Irish Trophy at the Mardyke today (12.30pm).

The last time College reached the last four of a national competition was an Irish Senior Cup semi-final in 1911 — apparently forfeited due to a clash with a medical exam — but they find themselves ready and willing 100 years later to bid for a final berth for the first time, as their home ground at the Mardyke also celebrates its centenary year.

Clontarf have hit some ominous form in recent weeks, hitting 16 goals in their last three games, but UCC have already shown their resolve in winning at Donegal’s Raphoe and coming from 3-1 down to see off Rathgar Chiefs 4-3.

Meanwhile, it’s advantage Leinster in the race for the men’s Irish Hockey League semi-final spots, with five of the remaining seven contenders hailing from Dublin.

That’s in stark contrast to the Irish Senior Cup, where only Monkstown’s presence has prevented the semi-finals from being an all-Ulster affair. Both competitions offer routes intoEuropean competition for the winners, meaning the stakes are high.

Just two points separate the top four in Pool B (all games 2.45pm), meaning a bonus point victory for any of the quartet will guarantee progress. Banbridge host YMCA with Monkstown making the short hope to play Pembroke Wanderers; Instonians’ trip to Cork Harlequins is a dead rubber.

A win of any kind will do for Pembroke, YM and Monkstown, but Bann are the likeliest to be relying on the other tie to go their way.

In Pool A (all games 12.45pm), Lisnagarvey’s 3-1 win at Cookstown on Thursday night has eliminated the Tyrone side from the equation, while just a point separates the remaining three contenders.

Glenanne’ can assure themselves of progress if they see off Cookstown at home. Garvey host leaders Corinthian knowing a draw will do for the latter, while a win for either ensures they’ll advance, with the losers’ fate then dependant on Glens’ result. Cork C of I host Annadale in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

In the women’s competition, where Pegasus and UCD are already guaranteed to progress from their respective pools.

Pegs are unbackable favourites to top Pool A (all games 2.45pm), as they are at home to basement side Belfast Harlequins. Hermes’ tie with Loreto is likeliest to decide the pool’s second qualifier. Avoiding defeat will suffice to put Hermes though, while a bonus-point victory for Loreto would guarantee their passage instead. Any other result, combined with a bonus-point win for Catholic Institute at already-eliminated UCC, and the calculators will be coming out.

In Pool B (all games 12.45pm), Railway Union’s superior goal difference means that they can afford just to draw at home to Ards, with Armagh and Ballymoney both realistically requiring bonus-point wins from their games to displace them in the event of a loss.

Armagh host a UCD side looking to secure top billing, while ‘Money head to already-eliminated 2010 finalists Cork Harlequins.