Double header weekend for EYHL 1 teams as Munster leagues kick off
OPENING NIGHT: At the opening of Harlequins Hockey Club's new pitch this weke were Jamie Venner, Ross Bailey, Richard Gash, and David Egner. Picture: Noel Sweeney
It’s a packed weekend of hockey action as both Cork Church of Ireland men and Catholic Institute women face double headers in the EYHL 1, while the Munster senior leagues get underway.
Cork Church of Ireland men’s team will be looking to bounce back after a narrow 2–1 home defeat to YMCA last weekend.
They now face a challenging trip north, starting with a clash against Banbridge — widely regarded as one of the best teams in the country — followed by a Sunday fixture against Cookstown, where they’ll be hoping to pick up points.
Catholic Institute’s women’s side also suffered an opening loss, falling to defending champions Loreto.
Their weekend begins with a visit to Queens University on Saturday, followed by a tough test against Pegasus on Sunday.
With two away fixtures, the Limerick side will be eager to find form over the weekend to kickstart their campaign.
Meanwhile, the Munster senior leagues begin after a one-week delay caused by a shortage of volunteers to fill key roles within the Munster branch.
The men’s competition sees a new format this season, with nine teams competing in Division 1 until a mid-season split in the new year.
Midleton makes its debut at this level after years in Division 2, and all eyes will be on how they adapt to the step up.
Harlequins are tipped as early favourites but won’t begin their campaign until next week.
On the women’s side, the return of University College Cork to Division 1 after a season in EYHL 1 adds extra spice to the title race.
UCC and Harlequins are expected to be the main contenders. UCC starts their season away to Cork Church of Ireland, while Harlequins travel to Waterford in what promises to be a competitive game against the team that finished second last term.
SATURDAY
Men’s EYHL Division 1: Banbridge v Cork Church of Ireland, Havelock Park, 2.45pm; Lisnagarvey v Corinthians, Lisnagarvey HC, 2pm; Monkstown v Three Rock Rovers, Rathdown School, 12.20pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Cookstown, Pembroke Wanderers HC, 2.30pm; YMCA v Avoca, Wesley College, 1.15pm.
Men’s Munster Division 1: Bandon v Cork Harlequins B, Bandon Grammar School, 3pm; Cork Church of Ireland B v Bandon B, Garryduff, 12pm; Midleton v Catholic Institute, Midleton College, 3pm.
Women’s EYHL Division 1: Loreto v Railway Union, Loreto Beaufort High School, 1.15pm; Queens University v Catholic Institute, Malone Playing Fields, 2.30pm; Ulster Elks v Pegasus, University of Ulster Jordanstown, 1pm; University College Dublin v Portadown, Belfield, 1pm.
Women’s Munster Division 1: Ashton v Bandon, Ashton School, 2pm; Catholic Institute 2 v Crescent, Rosbrien, 12.30pm; Cork Church of Ireland v University College Cork, Garryduff, 2pm; Waterford v Cork Harlequins, Newtown School, 12pm.
SUNDAY
Men’s EYHL Division 1: Banbridge v YMCA, Havelock Park, 2.30pm; Cookstown v Cork Church of Ireland, Cookstown HC, 12.45pm; Corinthians v Three Rock Rovers, Whitechurch Park, 3.45pm; Monkstown v Lisnagarvey, Rathdown School, 2.30pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Avoca, Pembroke Wanderers HC, 3pm.
Women’s EYHL Division 1: Loreto v University College Dublin, Loreto Beaufort High School, 4.30pm; Pegasus v Catholic Institute, Queens University, 12.30pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Ulster Elks, Pembroke Wanderers HC, 1pm; Portadown v Railway Union, Edenvilla SC, 3pm; Queens University v Old Alexandra, Malone Playing Fields, 2.30pm.
Rory Noonan Chief Sub-Editor The Echo: Assistant Production Editor Irish Examiner, Western People, Roscommon Herald.
The Echo, Linn Dubh, Assumption Road, Blackpool, Cork. T23 RCH6 Mobile: 087 2221560 Twitter: @RnRor Instagram: @RorNoo Snapchat: rnoonan92
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