Friday, January 22, 2010

Holders Galway to defend indoor crown

The ladies hockey scene switches indoors with the National Basketball Arena hosting the National Indoor Trophy after this version of the sport took a year out.

With the tournament not being run in 2009, there is little by way of a form guide though Galway have the benefit of playing last year’s EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge by virtue of their win in 2008.

That panel, above left, features many of the 13 Connacht U-18 players who featured prominently in this year’s interpros while former Pembroke woman Emma Glanville holds the fort at the back.

In Lousada last year, as reigning Irish champions the western side started slowly on their European quest but a 3-1 in over Wales’ Howardian HC and a draw with Turkey’s Cankaya gave them a fourth place finish.
Furthermore, they have been afforded the right to host this year’s event in the NUI Galway Sports Complex from February 26 to 28.

They are in a three-team group with Corinthian and a Loreto side unable to use their outdoor international stars due to their training camp in Spain.

Division Three’s Avoca will have a job on in Group B when they attempt to claim one of the two finals spots ahead of Glenanne, Hermes or Old Alex. On Sunday, Bray, Pembroke and UCD will attempt to end Railway Union’s run of wins in 2009/10.

Elsewhere, the second round of the Jacqui Potter Cup will be completed when Corinthian II face Old Alex and the Milltown club’s seconds play Genesis on Sunday.

The Irish Hockey Challenge continues though reigning champions YMCA’s trip to Gorey has been postponed. Mullingar face a long trip to Raphoe while Monkstown welcome Derg Valley to Rathdown.

ESB National Women’s Indoor Trophy (all at the NBA)
Saturday:
Group A:
Corinthian; Galway; Loreto
Group B: Avoca; Glenanne; Hermes; Old Alex
Sunday:
Group C:
Bray; Pembroke Wanderers; Railway Union; UCD

Leinster Senior Cup: Second round (Sunday):
Corinthian II v Old Alexandra, Whitechurch, 1.15; Old Alexandra II v Genesis, Milltown, 3.30.

Irish Hockey Challenge (Saturday): Second round:
Raphoe vs Mullingar, 2.30pm, Royal and Prior; Fermoy v Wexford, 12.30pm, Loreto Fermoy; Mallow v Kilkenny, 1pm, Farmers Cross; Enniscorthy v Tipperary, 1pm, Enniscorthy; Renmore v Limerick, 1.30pm, Mervue; Monkstown vs Derg Valley, 2.15pm, Rathdown

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Galway got an easy way through!!!!

Anonymous said...

Predictions:

Group a
winners: Galway
runner up: Corinthians

group b
winners: Hermes
runner up: old alex
Close 3rd: Glens

Group C
Winners:Railway
Runners Up: UCD

Anonymous said...

Give Avoca a chance.. you never know!! They could surprise you all.. Up the Underdogs!!

Anonymous said...

Group 3 - Hermes and Alex took their place in the final. Avoca came third after a thrilling 4-3 win against Glenanne! Come on the underdogs!

Anonymous said...

Avoca made their mark yesterday in the Indoor, two losses (2-4 v Hermes and 1-4 v Old Alex) and a final win left them in 3rd place after a thrilling match against Glenanne. The Avoca team, finished the day off with a thrilling oame back from losing 2 - 0 at halftime to Glenanne to win 4-3.... Fantastic hockey by the considered "Underdogs"... looking forward to their return to the tournament next season.

Anonymous said...

Well done AVOCA great match against Glenanne. Even the refs and judges were saying it was great to see two teams that could not get through put their hearts and souls into a thrilling match!!