Upton lifts Insta

Róisín Upton gave Catholic Institute the perfect goodbye present as she nicked the winner in a hard-fought 2-1 win over Cork C of I.

Upton, who won the NCAA title with the University of Connecticut Huskies in November, returned to the USA yesterday after signing off in style having also helped Insta to a vital 2-0 win over UCC.

Elsewhere, UCC had a profitable double weekend, chalking up 5-0 wins over both Fermoy and Bandon.

Cork Harlequins were again in ruthless form, Cliodhna Sargent, Karen Bateman and Laurene Buckley all scoring twice in their 10-0 demolition of Limerick at Villiers.

Things were far closer in the men’s league with just a goal in it in both games involving the top four.

John Jermyn’s short corner rocket saved Cork C of I’s blushes as they beat a much-improved Cork Harlequins 2-1 while Fionn O’Leary’s goal against his former club helped UCC edge Bandon 1-0.

In the latter game, Brian Corcoran had saved David Smith’s penalty stroke to keep UCC’s goal intact, while Clinton Sweetnam looked dangerous on his return to Bandon after switching from UCD last week.

Limerick will make a rare appearance in the Munster Junior Cup final after following up their victory over holders C of I B with a 1-0 win over Cork Harlequins seconds, David Cardy netting the winner on Leeside.