Institute storm back into title race

Catholic Institute roared back into Munster title contention as two stunning goals helped them see off UCC 2-0 at Rosbrien on Saturday.

Christine O’Shea’s inch-perfect sliding deflection put the hosts in front after a goalless first half before Clodagh Moloney played in Irish international forward Naomi Campbell to roof a spectacular effort.

Cork Harlequins surged to the top of the table by taking full points from their double-header against Cork C of I and Bandon.

Cliodhna Sargent’s treble underlined a 4-1 win over C of I on Saturday, one coming from a corner, one from the penalty spot and one an outrageous solo effort that saw her beat half a dozen defenders en route to scoring. Yvonne O’Byrne completed the scoring with Jen Barry replying for a C of I side down four regulars.

Karen Bateman’s brace, another from O’Byrne and one from Ireland U18 Abby Oakes helped Quins win 4-0 in Bandon yesterday. They have a two-point lead over Institute at the summit, but have yet to play the Limerick girls.

Ashton moved themselves comfortably into mid-table with a hard-earned 3-1 win at Limerick, Ireland U16 tyro Michelle Barry netting twice while Emma Harrington notched the other.

Limerick caused the shock of the first round in the men’s Munster Junior Cup, dumping out holders Cork C of I B on a 2-1 scoreline.

The Division 2 side went ahead early on when Nathan Eacrett profited from a slip-up by C of I goalkeeper James Phillips, but the visitors equalised when Clyde Buttimer tapped in to finish a fine passing move.

Andrew Tutty won it for the hosts though, compounding a miserable weekend for the Garryduff second string, who lost 3-1 at home to Bandon in the league on Saturday. Peter Daunt was on target for them but strikes from Dave Smith, Ali Smith and Munster U18 captain Colin Kingston did the necessary to lift the west Cork men into second in the table.

Elsewhere in the Munster Junior Cup, goals from Paul Murray and Paul Holland helped Cork Harlequins B defeat C of I C 2-0, while Simon Brickenden, Justin O’Sullivan and David Kavanagh inspired Catholic Institute to a 7-1 win over Ashton.

A depleted UCC completed the semi-final line-up as Fred McElroy and Philip Peters helped them to a hard-fought 3-1 win over Midleton after Cormac O’Sullivan had levelled for the east Cork men.