Title now in sight as Quins edge out C of I

IRISH international captain Eimear Cregan made a goalscoring return to the colours of Cork Harlequins as they moved into pole position to close on a 14th consecutive women’s Munster Senior League title with a 3-2 win over Cork C of I at Garryduff on Saturday.

Cregan, who had yet to play in 2009 due to a persistent foot injury, claimed one of three short corner deflections — Hilary Chapple and Karen Bateman grabbed the others — to send Quins into a 3-0 lead by the 51st minute.

A pair of rockets from Michaela Mihailou and Mel Ryan gave C of I hope, but it wasn’t enough for the hosts, who are now out of the title race. Second-placed UCC can still force a title play-off, provided they defeat struggling Belvedere tomorrow night and then beat Quins in their own backyard on April 7.