Hockey: Church of Ireland target points in crucial Avoca clash

The trip represents an early-season ‘six pointer’ for the Garryduff side.

Action from the clash of title-rivals Harlequins and UCC last weekend. The college side will be hoping to keep their winning run going against Ashton on Saturday.

It has been a steady start to life in the EYHL Division 1 for Cork Church of Ireland men, who have adjusted well to the step up in competition.

They sit on four points from their opening four games, following last weekend’s draw with second-placed Pembroke Wanderers.

The reality is that C of I will need to target certain fixtures this season, and Saturday’s trip to Avoca is one of those. Avoca, currently bottom of the table, represent an early-season ‘six pointer’ for the Garryduff side.

At the top end of the table, Banbridge have set the pace with a perfect record so far and look the team to beat. They face a tough test against Pembroke Wanderers as they seek to extend their early advantage.

In the women’s EYHL Division 1, Catholic Institute are still searching for consistency after a challenging start.

Missing key players Naomi Carroll and reigning Munster Player of the Year Anna Horan has not helped their cause. However, the women’s league already looks wide open, with teams regularly taking points off each other, suggesting a highly competitive campaign ahead.

Back on the domestic front, Catholic Institute men lead the way in Munster Division 1 following a dramatic late winner over Waterford last week. They will look to maintain momentum when they meet Cork C of I B this weekend. Midleton entertain Harlequins in another intriguing tie, while Harlequins’ second team take on Waterford.

In the women’s Munster Division 1, University College Cork have laid down an early marker with back-to-back wins, including an impressive victory over title rivals Harlequins last weekend.

The students will be aiming to continue that form when they face Ashton.

Crescent, also looking to keep pace at the top, meet Waterford, while Harlequins will look to bounce back from their setback when they play Cork C of I.

FIXTURES 

FRIDAY

Men’s Munster Division 1: Bandon B v Bandon, 7.45pm.

SATURDAY 

Men’s EYHL Division 1: Monkstown v Corinthians, 12.20pm; Lisnagarvey v Three Rock Rovers, 2pm; Avoca v Cork Church of Ireland, 2.30pm; Banbridge v Pembroke Wanderers, 2.45pm; YMCA v Cookstown, 3pm.

Men’s Munster Division 1: Catholic Institute v Cork Church of Ireland B, 2.30pm; Cork Harlequins B v Waterford, 2.30pm; Midleton v Cork Harlequins, 3pm.

Women’s EYHL Division 1: Queens University v Ulster Elks, 12.30pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Catholic Institute, 1pm; Railway Union v University College Dublin, 1.40pm; Old Alexandra v Pegasus, 2.30pm; Portadown v Loreto, 3pm.

Women’s Munster Division 1: Ashton v University College Cork, 12.30pm; Catholic Institute B v Bandon, 12.30pm; Cork Church of Ireland v Cork Harlequins, 12 noon; Crescent v Waterford, 12.30pm