Hockey: Harlequins strengthen title bid as Ashton see off Bandon

Quin enjoyed a 7-1 win over Catholic Institute.

Ashton’s Amy Noonan on the ball for her side against Bandon. Noonan was involved in all four goals as Ashton defeated Bandon 4-1. Picture: Andrew Noonan 

Harlequins men continued their dominance in Munster Division One with an emphatic 7-1 win over Catholic Institute.

It stretches their lead to 10 points over second placed Bandon. In the other results, Waterford defeated Midleton 6-2 and Peard Cup winners C of I B came back from one down to beat Harlequins B 2-1.

In the women’s senior cup, Ashton hosted Bandon in Blackrock. Ashton enjoyed a dream start, opening the scoring inside the first 30 seconds with a well-worked goal finished by Kate Harvey straight from the tip-off.

Building on that early momentum, Ashton doubled their advantage soon after following an excellent attacking move, as Amy Noonan led the charge and picked out Aoife Richardson at the back post, who calmly struck first time into the net.

Bandon responded well in the second quarter, growing into the contest and reducing the deficit with a goal from open play through Aoife Hanrahan.

The third quarter saw Bandon emerge the stronger side, but Ashton goalkeeper Isabel Jansen Cahill produced a series of fine saves to deny the equaliser.

Midway through the quarter, Ashton struck decisively on the counterattack, with Noonan once again the provider, breaking quickly before finding Harvey in the circle.

Harvey showed great composure to round the goalkeeper and finish clinically for her second goal of the afternoon.

Ashton put the result beyond doubt when Isobel Kingston swept home a first-time finish, once again assisted by the impressive Amy Noonan.

In the day’s other fixtures, UCC recorded a comprehensive 5–0 victory over Waterford, while Catholic Institute and Crescent played out a 1–1 draw before Crescent edged a 4–3 win in the ensuing shoot-out.

The scheduled meeting of Harlequins and Catholic Institute B was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Farmers’ Cross.

RESULTS 

Men’s Munster Division One: Harlequins 7, Catholic Institute 1; Midleton 2, Waterford 6; C of I B 2, Harlequins B 1.

Women’s Munster Senior Cup: Ashton 4, Bandon 1; UCC 5, Waterford 0; Crescent 1, C of I 1, (Crescent win 4-3 on shootout); Harlequins v Catholic Institute B, postponed due to frozen pitch.