Bandon look to test unbeaten Quins

 

With the EY Hockey Leagues now entering their winter break, the spotlight shifts to the top divisions in Munster this weekend.

In the men’s competition, Cork Harlequins sit at the summit with a perfect record of five wins from five as they prepare to host Bandon at Farmers’ Cross.

Meetings between these sides have been tight in recent seasons, and Saturday’s clash is expected to follow that pattern.

Bandon have yet to hit full stride, dropping points in draws with Catholic Institute and Waterford, leaving this fixture close to a must-win if they hope to remain in the title race. Harlequins, meanwhile, will be without Irish U21 international Sam Dale, who is currently in India with the national squad.

The side opened their campaign with a 4–3 win over Canada on Thursday.

On the women’s side, league leaders UCC travel to face Catholic Institute 2 and will look to maintain their strong run of form despite being without Eabha Curran and Robyn Murphy, both of whom are in Chile with the Irish U21s. Harlequins, the nearest challengers, welcome bottom-placed Bandon, while Crescent aim to keep the pressure on with a trip to Ashton.

The final fixture of the round sees Cork C of I make the journey to Waterford as they seek valuable points to move clear of the lower end of the table.

Fixtures Saturday Men’s Munster Division 1: Harlequins v Bandon, 2.30pm; Waterford v Midleton, 2pm.

Women’s Munster Division 1: Ashton v Crescent, 12.30pm; Catholic Institute 2 v University College Cork, 12.30pm; Cork Harlequins v Bandon, 12.30pm; Waterford v Cork Church of Ireland, 12.20pm.