Hockey: Lisnagarvey visit Garryduff in EY Irish Hockey League 1

Cork C of I have picked up four points from their opening four fixtures.

John Jermyn, Church of Ireland breaking between Bandon players Calum Crowley and Fionn O’Leary at Garryduff, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

Cork Church of Ireland welcome Lisnagarvey to Garryduff this Saturday in what promises to be a stern test for the home side.

With four points from their opening four fixtures, C of I have made a steady start to the campaign, but will need to be at their best to take anything from perennial title contenders Garvey.

The visitors, however, have shown signs of vulnerability, dropping points twice already this season.

With league leaders Banbridge occupied in European competition — facing Dutch giants HC Bloemendaal in Barcelona — Garvey will be eager to close the gap. Meanwhile, Pembroke Wanderers and Monkstown, who face off on Saturday, have the opportunity to leapfrog into top spot.

In the women’s EYHL Division 1, Catholic Institute host Portadown at Rosbrien. The Limerick side have endured a difficult start and currently sit bottom of the table. Portadown, newcomers to the division, have impressed early on and find themselves comfortably mid-table.

At the summit, Loreto will look to preserve their perfect record as they host Old Alexandra, while Railway Union travel north to face Ulster Elks.

Cup action also returns this weekend with the start of the Irish Hockey Trophy and Irish Hockey Challenge competitions. In the men’s Trophy, Munster sides Catholic Institute and Waterford are in action—Waterford host Dublin University, while Institute travel to Clontarf.

On the women’s side, past winners Bandon and Cork C of I face Avoca and University of Galway respectively, while Ashton make the trip to Trinity College.

Men’s EYHL Division 1: Corinthians v Avoca, 1.15pm; Cork Church of Ireland v Lisnagarvey, 2pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Monkstown, 2.30pm; Three Rock Rovers v YMCA, 3pm.

Men’s Irish Hockey Trophy, games at 4pm unless otherwise stated: Bangor v Glenanne; Belfast Harlequins v Portrane, 2.30pm; Bray v Kilkeel, 2.30pm; Clontarf v Catholic Institute, 3pm; North Down v PSNI; Portadown v Railway Union; Waterford v Dublin University; Weston v Kilkenny, 3pm.

Men’s Munster Division 1: Cork Harlequins B v Cork Church of Ireland B, 2.30pm.

Women’s EYHL Division 1: Catholic Institute v Portadown, 12.45pm; Loreto v Old Alexandra, 1.15pm; Pegasus v Queens University, 2.30pm; Ulster Elks v Railway Union, 2.30pm; University College Dublin v Pembroke Wanderers.

Women’s Irish Hockey Trophy, games at 4pm unless otherwise stated: Avoca v Bandon; Ballymoney v Three Rock Rovers; Cork Church of Ireland v University of Galway; Glenanne v Armagh, 1.30pm; Larne v Mossley, 2.30pm; Omagh v Muckross, 2.30pm; Trinity v Ashton.