Institute seek back-to-back wins

AS Munster’s sole side with a win in this season’s Irish Hockey League, Ger O’Carroll’s Catholic Institute will be looking to progress their play-off claims tomorrow against winless Old Alex.

Institute moved into a three-way share of second spot in Pool A last Saturday, with Jane Bourke snatching a last-gasp win at Armagh. With leaders Pegasus facing unbeaten UCD, opportunity knocks to make further headway but they will need to be wary of an Alex side who have Shirley McCay in from the start.

The Irish centurion missed the first half against Pegasus as she attended her masters’ graduation last weekend. Her side had fallen 2-0 down in that time before rallying in the second period with McCay at the base of midfield.

With Roisín Flinn, Alex have quality around midfield to threaten while six underage interprovincial players aim to use their pace up front to test Elaine Brommell’s backline at Rosbrien.

UCC have seven points to make up in Pool B, making their date with Loreto a do-or-die encounter.

Following a disappointing intervarsity campaign, ending in the plate semi-finals with a 1-0 loss to Trinity, they must now marshal an all-star attacking line-up of Irish internationals Nicci Daly, Niamh Small and Cathy McKean.

Cork Harlequins are a point better off but have played a game more. They travel to meet Lurgan for the first time.

On the men’s side, Harlequins host an Instonians side livid at being docked two points for fielding an ineligible player in their loss to Monkstown.

In Pool B, a potential split could occur as the top three meet the bottom trio. Cork C of I host inconsistent YMCA and former C of I forwards Stephen Parker and Jonny Bruton could return to haunt their old club.