Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Rematches abound for IHL mark three

Women’s IHL 2010 finalists Railway Union and Cork Harlequins will lock horns once again in next season’s competition in the group stages following last Sunday’s draw.

The pair have been paired together once again having both retained their provinicial titles this season. They will be joined by a trio of Ulster sides, the returning Armagh who reclaim a place after a year’s absence, along with Ards for their second season and ever-presents Ballymoney.

On the other side of the draw, Pegasus, Hermes and Loreto are set for yet another dust-up following their intriguing battle went to the wire this season – the Leinster pairing fighting for one semi-final place.

They are joined by UCC in their second season, Belfast Harlequins who missed out last year in the wildcards and tournament newcomers Catholic Institute.

On the men’s side, Pembroke’s group is a virtual identikit of the season past with Banbridge, Instonians, Monkstown and Cork Harlequins back for another season. YMCA are the one change, replacing last year’s wildcard Corinthian.

The reds face a much-changed task this time round in what looks the more competitive group at this early stage. Cookstown, Glenanne, Annadale, Cork C of I and Lisnagarvey are all ever-presents in the competition.

2010/11 IHL draw
Women’s Pool A:
Pegasus, Hermes, Loreto, Belfast Harlequins, UCC, Catholic Institute.
Women’s Pool B: Railway, Armagh, Ards, UCD, Cork Harlequins, Ballymoney.

Men’s Pool A: Cookstown, Corinthian, Glenanne, Annadale, Cork C of I, Lisnagarvey.
Men’s Pool B: Pembroke, Banbridge, Instonians, Monkstown, Cork Harlequins, YMCA.

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