Veteran duo Kohler and Bateman take on key role for Quins

Cork Harlequins hope Rachael Kohler and Karen Bateman can continue to defy Father Time as they face a make-or-break Irish Hockey League clash with Ards at Farmer’s Cross tomorrow (1.30pm).

Both players are well into the veteran stage but such has been their impact since returning to Stephen Dale’s lineup this year, Ireland coach Darren Smith has been among their admirers.

Bateman and Kohler both had decorated Irish international careers in the 1990s and early 2000s but stepped away from the game as family commitments took over.