Hockey: Peard Cup semi-finals take centre stage
Cork and Limerick will host the last-four ties. Pic: INPHO/Evan Treacy
The Peard Cup semi-finals take centre stage in Cork and Limerick this Saturday.
At Farmer’s Cross, Harlequins and Church of Ireland renew their rivalry in what promises to be a gripping encounter.
Both teams have already played twice this season, with neither able to break the deadlock, with the home side looking to the likes of Julian Dale to see them advance. This time, however, a winner must emerge to book a spot in the final.
Meanwhile, in Limerick, Catholic Institute take on Waterford just a week after their league clash ended in a resounding 5-1 victory for Institute.
The Limerick side will be favourites to progress but can’t afford to underestimate Waterford, who will be determined to bounce back. The winners will meet in the final at Garryduff on St Stephen’s Day.
After suffering their first defeat of the season to Lisnagarvey last weekend, Three Rock Rovers will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Dublin rivals Pembroke Wanderers.
New league leaders Lisnagarvey take on Avoca as they aim to consolidate their position at the top of the table. Friday evening sees Banbridge, sitting third, take on Annadale.
League leaders Loreto face a resurgent UCD on Saturday in the women’s EYHL 1.
Loreto have faltered of late but still remain 3 points clear at the top of the table. By contrast, UCD are the in-form team and will be looking to continue their climb up the table after a slow start to the season.
Catholic Institute will be keen to keep pace as they face a tough away trip to Railway Union, while Old Alex face a similarly tricky away tie at Ards. UCC face the long trip to Ulster Elks knowing they need to start getting a few results again to close the gap to the teams above them.
In women’s Munster Division 1 all eyes will be on Newtown School as unbeaten league leaders Harlequins travel to face second-placed Waterford in a top-of-the-table showdown.
The last time these teams met, Harlequins were convincing winners, but Waterford’s unbeaten streak since then has kept them in contention.
In the other games Church of Ireland host Bandon and Ashton travel to Limerick to face Catholic Institute B.
: Annadale v Banbridge, 7.30pm.
Lisnagarvey v Avoca, 2.15pm; Three Rock Rovers v Pembroke Wanderers, 4pm; University College Dublin v Monkstown, 3.30pm; YMCA v Corinthians, 3pm.
Catholic Institute v Waterford, 3.30pm; Harlequins v Church of Ireland, 12.30pm.
Ards v Old Alexandra, 2.30pm; Pegasus v Pembroke Wanderers 12.45pm; Railway Union v Catholic Institute, 1.30pm; Ulster Elks v University College Cork, 1pm; University College Dublin v Loreto, 1pm.
Waterford v Harlequins, 12pm; Church of Ireland v Bandon, 12pm; Catholic Institute B v Ashton, 12pm.
: Corinthians v Monkstown, 2.15pm.
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