Test for Church of Ireland’s title ambition

Cork Church of Ireland will get a first indication of whether they are genuine EY Hockey League title contenders when they host Lisnagarvey at Garryduff tomorrow (1.30pm).

David Hobbs’ men have started the new national league in flying fashion, racking up wins over Cookstown (4-1), Glenanne (4-2) and Annadale (2-0) to move joint top of the standings with Monkstown.

But the difference between the top two is that C of I have yet to lock horns with the heavy hitters, while ‘Town have already scalped Garvey (5-2) and Pembroke (4-0).

Garvey’s pair of wins have come away at Pembroke and Banbridge by a single goal and suggest the journey to Garryduff will hold no fears for them; the battle of their set-piece hitman Timmy Cockram and C of I’s John Jermyn could dictate the victor here.

Both Munster’s women’s representatives also have home ties meaning Cork-based supporters are spoiled for choice.

Last year’s champions Pegasus come calling to Cork Harlequins having surprisingly failed to pick up a win in any of their three outings, although they put 13 past North Down in the Irish Senior Cup last week to suggest they are in militant mood.

Quins had fulcrum Cliodhna Sargent and netminder Emma Buckley back after injury against Pembroke last time out, which helped them stop a run of early season defeats.

UCC host Pembroke and know they must shore up defensively.

After a first-day win over Greenfields they shipped 12 goals in losses to the Elks and Railway, but a 5-3 Irish Senior Cup win over Belfast Harlequins, without injured skipper Nicola Kerr, will help renew confidence.

In Munster, women’s pace-setters Catholic Institute travel to Clonakilty for the first ever meeting between the sides. Insta will be keen to get as many points on the board before they lose a trio of key players to the Ireland side in the Tag Rugby World Cup in Australia later this month.

That event also has Ashton’s taliswoman Emma Harrington absent for the coming weeks although coach Graham Catchpole will be hoping Kate Linehan and Lorna McCutcheon, amongst others, continue to deputise impressively as they host Waterford.

Bandon go to Garryduff to play C of I for their fourth match in eight days - the previous three have been very impressive showings, wins over Larne and Cashel/New Inn plus a narrow Munster Senior Cup defeat to UCC by the odd goal in three.