Alex break ten year duck to win Potter title

Jacqui Potter Cup final
Old Alex 2 (Danielle Costigan, Rebecca Coll) Pembroke 0
Old Alex dug their heals in to claim their first Jacqui Potter Cup title in the modern era, holding off a thorough Pembroke examination at Grange Road yesterday afternoon.

Goals from former Trinity duo Danielle Costigan and Becca Coll did the damage but the true turning point came nine minutes into the second half when the outstanding teenage defender Leah Lenehan dived full length to block Shona Doyle’s three-yard effort.

The moment epitomised the Alex effort, hassling and harrying for every inch despite their opponents enjoying upwards of 60pc of possession and territory.

Pembroke also let seven penalty corners slip through their fingers with barely a shot in anger to threaten Pamela Smithwick. Alex, by contrast, had no corners but snapped up the two major chances that came their way.

They had started in slick fashion, with the combative Roz Ellis and the ever-graceful Roisin Flinn the source.

The latter reversed over in the first minute while the American Ellis – who has been a powerhouse since her move to Ireland in a bid to progress her international prospects – was instrumental in the game’s opening phases.

Her steal on the edge of the circle from Hayley O’Donnell in the seventh minute, set up Costigan to bully past one defender and roll into the bottom corner.

But, after a nervy start, Pembroke began to boss the final, earning two corners before the half was out while Sarah Canning’s diving tackle denied Karen Hales a clear sight on goal.

And the pattern became more pronounced in the second half, most notably when Shona Doyle out-stripped Lenehan down the right wing. Her initial shot rebounded her way off Smithwick, leaving the goalkeeper prone.

But Lenehan recovered superbly to smother the shot with the goal exposed and while there was a decent shout for a penalty stroke in the aftermath, the danger was averted.

It was a costly moment, as 12 minutes later Coll was the quickest to react as the ball got stuck in Kelly Scott’s pads to bundle in for 2-0, mere moments after she let a golden opportunity slip.

It secured a first senior title since 2000 in the Leinster Senior Cup, a forerunner to the current trophy, named in honour of the much-loved former Clontarf, Muckross, Hermes and Ireland player.

Meanwhile, Cork Harlequins claimed the Munster Senior Cup, winning the final 3-1 over a Catholic Institute side who featured former Quin Eimear Cregan just two months after transferring.

First half goals from Jane Chapple and Rachel McSharry gave them a commanding lead before Jane Bourke put the game to bed. Kym Daly nicked a consolation for the Limerick club on the final whistle.

Pembroke: Kelly Scott, Natalie Fulton, Rachel McKeon (capt), Sarah Clarke, Shona Doyle, Anli Kotze, Noelle Farrell, Karen Hales, Hayley O’Donnell, Alice Ward, Orla Fox
Subs: Aoife Sherriff, Jill Collins, Hilda Maguire, Wendy Hobson

Old Alex: Pamela Smithwick, Roz Ellis, Aoife Budd, Nicola Gray, Ann-Marie Cullen, Danielle Costigan, Leah Lenehan, Roisin Flinn, Laura McCoy, Sarah Canning, Rebecca Coll
Subs: Hazel Agar, Rachel Griffith, Sylvia Gilsenan

* Photos from Adrian Boehm from the Jacqui Potter Cup final can be seen here

Rovers stay in the hunt for IHL place

Men's Division One
UCD 0 Three Rock Rovers 6 (Ross Canning 2, Pierre de Voux 2, Sven Galjaardt 2)
Three Rock kept their end of the bargain to make the race for the IHL fourth place and the play-off spot go down to the last day as they comfortably beat UCD at Belfield this evening. Ross Canning's reverse and Pierre de Voux's strike had them in a strong position before the students made a decent fist of a full press to earn a few corners and threaten for most of the second quarter.

But they were unable to sustain the pace in the second period as Sven Galjaardt scored a very simple auto-pass goal and then made it 4-0 with a drag-flick. De Voux banged in a simple solo goal before Canning completed the scoring. Mick Maguire required stitches after taking an accidental stick in the face while Gavin Bourke was sin-binned in the final minute for foul language.

Three Rock now need a draw from their final match against Pembroke to guarantee fifth place and can still claim fourth but need a result in their favour. UCD, meanwhile, still need to get a win on Thursday against Railway to confirm their safety.

***Advertorial: Pembroke fundraiser***

Pembroke Wanderers are hosting a St Patrick’s Day Leinster Cup final after party at their clubhouse on Serpentine Avenue tomorrow (St Patrick’s Day) evening.

Following the Jacqui Potter and Mills Cup finals, they are inviting all teams and club members to the event. Live music from by "THE Clive Kennedy" from 6-8pm while there will be a double happy hour for drinks during that time.

Activities on the night also include an early 'Summer' BBQ and salads while you can also get your picture taken with the cup, whoever wins (once in a year opportunity, no cup may actually be present).

The door charge is €5 which includes a promo drink. All proceeds go to Pembroke's EHL KO16 fundraising. Donations continuously welcome.

Garrett names A side for German test

Guy Garrett has named a 17-player, Ireland A panel for the visit on Thursday of Germany’s U-21 side with several new faces linking up for their first challenge match in the A colours.

Speaking about the fixture, Garrett said: “We have had only a short time to prepare due to a heavy domestic programme, but the squad have gelled together very well. This is a big challenge, but I expect that the team will perform well and take the game to the opposition.”

He added, “It is great to have Arlene Boyles join us as Assistant Coach. She brings a valuable edge to the team with an invaluable experience."

The focus for the Ireland ‘A’ women then turns towards the Junior Celtic Cup on 2-4 July, 2010.

“To this end it is very useful to have the Senior and U21 Inter-provincial tournaments immediately after our Germany U21 match. It will be good to see the up and coming talent on show and I expect that we may be able to bring in some new players into our training squad.”

Lizzie Colvin provides the experience in midfield as one of the central Irish panel members along with Emma Gray and Lauren Barr, both of whom were in the Irish European championships squad.

Ireland A panel: Lauren Barr (Ballymoney), Aisling Campion (Loreto), Miriam Crowley (UCC), Lizzie Colvin (Loreto), Stephanie Quinn (Armagh), Nicola Evans (Railway Union), Emma Gray (Hermes), Kate McConnell (Pegasus), Orla Fox (Pembroke Wanderers), Victoria Green (Bath), Holly Jenkinson (Railway Union), Hannah Matthews (Loreto), Kate McKenna (Railway Union), Hannah McMillan (Queen’s University), Katherine Steenson (Armagh), Anna O’Flanagan (Hermes)

Paddy's Day carnival highlights hectic week

The season continues to hurtle to a conclusion at break-neck speed with a wealth of key midweek matches with six titles decided before Friday comes while the picture in men’s division one for the relegation play-off and IHL places will become slightly clearer.

The highlight, though, is the annual St Patrick’s Day festival of hockey at Grange Road with the men’s and women’s Leinster senior cup finals complemented by the U-16 boy’s Benny Atkinson Cup final.

Pembroke are looking to make it a day to remember, contesting both major titles in what would be a very rare men’s and women’s Leinster double.

The men go in as overwhelming favourites to succeed on the one stage that slipped them by last time round, losing a cracking final to Corinthian. Some of Pembroke’s play in recent weeks has been ominous as the EHL beckons on the Easter weekend in Rotterdam – their first half a case in point.

Tim Lewis is the main doubt from a fitness perspective for the fixture with Fingal (3.30pm) for whom they will be hoping to lay claim to their first ever senior trophy.

They reached this stage just once before, leaving their A game in the locker for the 2007 final against an understrength Glenanne, shorn of their international contingent.

That non-appearance adds to the motivation this time out and last Saturday’s win over Glenanne shows the hunger is very much in place.

In the women’s final, Pembroke and Alex make up a new-look pairing with Hermes long run as champions ended in emphatic style at the semi-final stages by the former. And while they still languish near the foot of division one, form elsewhere has been solid. Last weekend’s thriller at Park Avenue against Railway showed a rare competitive streak.

Anli Kotze has emerged as a player of substance in recent weeks while the power of Sarah Clarke and Natalie Fulton will spur them forward.

Alex have been a much more consistent outfit this year and have the benefit of a 3-1 victory over Wednesday’s opponents to their credit. Nicola Gray supplies the corner threat while Roisin Flinn’s rangy style provides the star quality.

In the U-16 final, Corinthian, coached by Brian Doherty, will need to negate the skills of David Cole and his Monkstown cohorts.

Prior to all these fixtures, UCD begin a chain of three fixtures in six days as they bid to escape a relegation play-off. Currently eighth, they play Three Rock on Tuesday night before facing Railway Union in a potential crunch tie should they miss out in the first fixture.

It is also a busy week on the school’s scene as the Kate Russell Cup gets underway on Thursday in Galway.

St Andrew’s, following their double-winning exploits, represent the province and face Connacht runners-up Salerno and Ulster champions in the group stages with only the top side progressing to Friday’s final.

Reigning champions Colaiste Iognaid face Loreto, Kilkenny from the South East and Limerick’s Crescent College in the other group. On the Leinster schoolboy’s side, Dundalk play High School in the Senior B league final

Mills Cup final:
Saturday: Pembroke vs Fingal, 3.30pm, Grange Road

Jacqui Potter Cup final:
Wednesday: Pembroke vs Old Alex, 1.30pm, Grange Road

Benny Atkinson (U-16 Boy’s) Cup final:
Wednesday: Corinthian vs Monkstown, 11.30am, Grange Road

Men’s Division One:
Tuesday: UCD vs TRR, 8.15pm, Belfield
Thursday: UCD vs Railway Union, 7.45pm, Belfield
Saturday: Glenanne vs Corinthian, 1.30pm, St Mark’s

Kate Russell, All-Ireland School’s competition (Galway), Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19:
Pool A: Colaiste Iognaid, Loreto Kilkenny, Crescent Comprehensive
Pool B: Royal School Armagh, St Andrew’s, Salerno

Schoolboy’s Senior B League final:
Friday: Dundalk vs High School, 3pm, King’s Hospital

Genesis claim U-16 title: News in brief

* Genesis (pictured, right) claimed the Leinster club U-16 A/B league title in front a sizable crowd of parents and youth members at Belfield on Sunday as they got the better of Suttonians 5-0 to complete a perfect set of results this season.

Chloe Hamill, Catriona Lavelle and Sarah Griffin netted well executed attacking moves to build a strong half-time lead and while Suttonians showed up well, Genesis had the edge in either circle to bag another pair of goals in the second to seal the title.

Meanwhile, Corinthian, inspired by Aisling Naughton, claimed the Leinster club U-17 league title as they ousted 2009 U-16 champions Clontarf 4-2 at Mount Temple, Megan Oliver and Emma Garry on target for the northsiders.

* Newpark claimed the 1st years A league on Monday afternoon as they produced a sterling defensive performance to win 1-0 over St Andrew’s. Jasmine Rowden scored the only goal of the game in the closing stages to seal the win.

* The second edition of the John Waring ‘Super Sixes’ tournament will be played on a reduced format this year, taking place over a single day in Wesley College on March 24.
Leinster champions St Andrew’s have been pitted against Bandon GS and Campbell College in the group stages while Wesley contest the other pool against Banbridge Academy and Ashton.
Matches will be played on a 25 minutes each way basis with the final tipping off at 4.30pm.

Match schedule (March 24):
Pool 1: 1pm – Bandon vs St Andrew’s; 2pm – St Andrew’s vs Campbell; 3pm Bandon vs Campbell
Pool 2: 1pm – Banbridge v Ashton; 2pm – Ashton v Wesley; 3pm – Banbridge v Wesley
Final: 4.30pm

* Wesley College completed a first ever Junior league and cup double as they beat Holy Child, Killiney in the final of the cup last week. Wesley raced out of the blocks and created a number of good attacks in the first 10 minutes, one of which resulted in a corner which was switched left for Sophie Pratt to hit a powerful drive into the corner.

Killiney, though, regrouped quickly showing pace and skill going forward as the game opened up markedly. Killiney went close from a corner of their own from a cleverly worked switch. And the pattern continued into the second half but Wesley were able to channel the ball carriers wide to deny clear-cut chances to play out a 1-0 win, giving Anna May Whelan the honour of lifting her second title of the year.

Wesley College: K Reidy, J Anderson (vc), K Armitage, K Barry, R Allen, A-M Whelan (c); C Samuel, L Haughton, L McGrane, S Pratt, S Foudy
Subs: L McKay, R Fitzpatrick, A Shanahan, S Quill

* Finally, the Senior Premier League and Minor A Cup final reports have been updated with links to photos from the games. To see the posting, click here

Hermes through as Pembroke denied in thriller

Hermes and Cork Harlequins were the big winners in the final round of women’s IHL group matches, denying reigning champions Loreto and Pembroke in the race for the semi-final places.

Needing a draw to advance, Hermes struck twice in the second half of their tie to end Loreto’s dreams of keeping the title in Beaufort, gaining a modicum of revenge for last year’s penalties defeat in the finals.

The visitors started strongly, drawing a couple of decent saves from the returning Louisa Healy and earning a trio of penalty corners. Anna O’Flanagan shot just wide, too, before Cathy McKean and Nikki Symmons showed their teeth, combining to test the reactions of Emma Gray in their best act of a lively, if ultimately scoreless, first half.

The second half followed a similar vein with Loreto showing more attacking force with Nicci Daly’s forceful runs counter-acted by O’Flanagan’s near miss.

But the breakthrough finally came Hermes’ way on the hooter for the third quarter with Elaine O’Neill getting the all-important touch on Quinlan’s strike to deflect home. And they sealed the win nine minutes from time when Chloe Watkins netted a penalty stroke, following a goal-mouth scramble.

The win meant the remaining matches in the pool were immaterial, barring to determine who topped the group.

And Pegasus claimed that honour with plenty to spare. They earned a wealth of corner before eventually taking the lead in the third quarter when Claire McMahon netted from the penalty spot. An own goal and a Suzanne Beaney strike gave them a 3-0 lead by the end of the period, augmented further by Jenny Kyle and Arlene Boyles’ straight strike to complete a 5-0 win.

Old Alex, meanwhile, ended their maiden IHL campaign in fourth place in Pool B of a competitive, high tempo tie in Milltown.

Julia O’Halloran opened the scoring early in the second half before Aoife Budd equalised and Hazel Agar grabbed the winner just before the end of the third quarter.

Over in Pool A, Pembroke’s bid for a first IHL semi-final appearance was upended in a spectacular 5-4 loss to already qualified Railway Union in which the pendulum swung wildly in each direction.

Sarah Clarke got Pembroke on the score-sheet first with a trademark corner strike but Railway stormed back in the second quarter to take the lead after Nikki Evans finished off after a good run by Kate Dillon while Jean McDonnell nailed a corner.

And they were 3-1 up when Isobel Joyce’s shot took a slight deflection to foil Kelly Scott between the posts. Sinead Walsh created the fourth for Nikki Evans.

Pembroke, though, still had belief and pulled one back when former Railway woman Shona Doyle pounced on a corner rebound off the crossbar, 4-2 on three quarter-time.

And the visitors were back on terms in jig-time in a matter of minutes when Rachel McKeon finished off a good move before player of the match Anli Kotze sent the ball into the net from a short corner strike.

With Harlequins leading against Ards, Pembroke needed the win to go through, making for a tempestuous final 15 minutes in which player-coach Natalie Fulton was sin-binned for two minutes.

But hard as they pressed, it was Railway who took the laurels when Jean McDonnell crashed home her second of the game.

Down in Cork, Quins picked off a 3-1 win against Ards to return to the semi-finals. Karen Bateman opened the scoring after seven minutes but Ards were back on terms by the break.

Two second half goals, though, from Bateman sent the Farmer’s Cross women through to the last four. Down the road in Garryduff, Cork C of I and Ballymoney cancelled each other out in an uneventful tie, ending 0-0.

Pool A: Railway Union 5 (Nikki Evans 2, Jean McDonnell 2, Isobel Joyce) Pembroke 4 (Sarah Clarke, Shona Doyle, Rachel McKeon, Anli Kotze); Cork Harlequins 3 (Karen Bateman 3) Ards 1; Cork C of I 0 Ballymoney 0
Pool A standings:
1. Railway Union 18pts (+12) 2. Cork Harlequins 12pts (+3) 3. Pembroke 11pts (+1) 4. Ballymoney 7pts (-4) 5. Ards 6pts (-4) 6. Cork C of I 3pts (-8)

Pool B: Loreto 0 Hermes 2 (Elaine O’Neill, Chloe Watkins); Pegasus 5 (Claire McMahon, own goal, Suzanne Beaney, Jenny Kyle, Arlene Boyles) Randalstown 0; Old Alex 2 (Aoife Budd, Hazel Agar) UCC 1 (Julia O’Halloran)

Pool B standings:
1. Pegasus 16pts (+10) 2. Hermes 14pts (+8) 3. Loreto 10pts (+2) 4. Old Alex 8pts (-2) 5. UCC 7pts (-1) 6. Randalstown 1pt (-17)

* For more of Adrian Boehm's photos from the Loreto vs Hermes game, click here

Leinster men bag Junior interpro title

Leinster retained the Junior men’s interprovincial title at Farmer’s Cross this afternoon as they completed the weekend with a perfect record from their three games while the ladies, on their return to the competition, finished second overall.

Impressive wins over Ulster (4-1) and Connacht (4-0) set the men up for a tournament decider with Munster this afternoon.

And they prevailed late on, Ben Wallace and Dave Wilson striking late on to run up a 3-1 win over the southerners. Wilson had given the blues the lead early on only for Eric Callendar to tie the game up with 20 minutes to go to set up a grandstand finish to the tournament with any winner deciding the competition.

And, while Munster gave Leinster some nervy moments, Kilkenny’s Ben Wallace grabbed his third of the tournament on the break to swing the momentum his side’s way.

Wilson copper-fastened the tie as he snapped up a half chance deep into the second half to confirm the title. It was a title built around an impressive midfield performance with John Lazenby a guiding light, flanked by Trinity’s Dan Ryan and Avoca’s Peter Haughton while Shane Dooley captained the side.

They got off to the perfect start when they put four past Ulster, Michael Styles scoring from the penalty spot while Ryan, Wilson and Wallace were also on the mark. Ryan, Wallace and Wilson also struck along with Lazenby in the win over Connacht on Sunday morning to end a fine weekend’s work.

On the women’s side, Leinster missed out on an unlikely title as they fell 2-0 to Munster in the final game of the weekend. They required an eight goal win from that final tie to annex the title from Ulster who were in search of three in-a-row but that never looked likely as Kay Gaffney and Orla Cotter did the necessary.

The weekend started well for Leinster, tying 0-0 with Ulster before picking up a 3-0 win over the South East, Anne-Marie McKeown bagging two and Sally Cory also on the mark.

On Sunday, Cory’s single strike kept Leinster in the running with a 1-0 win over Connacht however Ulster’s 7-0 win over South East left a huge mountain to climb in goal difference terms. And they were unable to ever truly threaten a famous victory against Munster.

Men’s Junior Interprovincials:
Results:
Saturday: Leinster 4 (M Styles, D Ryan, D Wilson, B Wallace) Ulster 1 (P McKeown); Ulster 3 Connacht 1; Munster 3 Connacht 1
Sunday: Leinster 4 (D Ryan, D Wilson, B Wallace, J Lazenby) Connacht 0; Munster 1 Ulster 0; Leinster 3 (D Wilson 2, B Wallace) Munster 1 (E Callendar)
Final standings: 1. Leinster 9pts (+9) 2. Munster 6pts (+1) 3. Ulster 3pts (-2) 4. Connacht 0pts (-9)

ESB Women’s Junior Interprovincials:
Results:
Saturday: Munster 2 Connacht 0; Ulster 0 Leinster 0; South East 0 Connacht 3; Munster 2 Ulster 5; Leinster 3 (Anne-Marie McKeown 2, Sally Cory) South East 0
Sunday: Ulster 2 Connacht 0; Munster 1 South East 1; Connacht 0 Leinster 1 (Sally Cory); South East 0 Ulster 7; Munster 2 Leinster 0
Final standings: 1. Ulster 10pts (+12) 2. Leinster 7pts (+2) 3. Munster 6pts (+1) 4. Connacht 3pts (-5) 5. South East 0pts (-13)

Pembroke on brink of title retention

Men's Division One
Glenanne 1 (Johnny Goulding) Pembroke 4 (Paddy Conlon, Alan Giles, Alan Sothern, Maurice Elliott)
Pembroke moved to the verge of retaining the Leinster men's division one crown as they survived a barrage of second half penalty corners to knock Glenanne out of the title race. Most of the damage was done in the first half through smart counter-attack play. Paddy Conlon got on the end of Craig Fulton's burst from the right flank to open the scoring before Alan Giles finished off from around the flick spot after Conor Harte had burst forward from the back.

Johnny Goulding snapped up a corner rebound but Alan Sothern scored right on the hooter, tapping in at the back post following Conlon's assist. Maurice Elliott made it 4-1 from a corner move to build a comfortable lead and, though Glenanne had over 10 corners in the game, they could not break down the Pembroke defences.

As it stands, a win for Pembroke on home turf against Three Rock will assure the title though if Corinthian drop points against Glenanne next Saturday, they could have the crown wrapped up a day early.

Clontarf 1 (Dan Treacy) Monkstown 5 (Brian Groves 2, Andy Ewington, Gareth Watkins, Ian Allen)

Monkstown produced an excellent first half show to leave themselves in with a strong shout of ending the season in the fourth IHL spot, with only Three Rock producing a pair of wins able to deny them. Andy Ewington got them off to a great start, scoring the first corner of the game in the eighth minute.

Gareth Watkins cut in from the right to reverse home a couple of minutes later. Brian Groves scored a corner rebound and Ian Allen touched in from close range after a Watkins' reverse.

The already relegated Bulls improved after the break but still shipped a fifth on the break, Groves popping past the goalkeeper. Dan Treacy scored their sole response from the penalty spot.

* For more of Adrian Boehm's photos from the Glenanne vs Pembroke game, click here; for Deryck Vincent's photos of Clontarf vs Monkstown, click here.

Railway maintain Div One title charge

Women's Leinster Division One:
Railway Union 4 (Nikki Evans 2, Patricia O'Dwyer, Kate Dillon) Trinity 0
Railway moved back into a share of the lead at the top of division one as they had too much for Trinity at Park Avenue. Nikki Evans' reverse was all that separated the sides at half-time but her second, combined with Kate Dillon's penalty stroke and a goal from Patricia O'Dwyer kept Railway very much afloat in their bid to retain the league title with the final day of the season looking set to be decisive when the current top two meet.

UCD 6 (Lisa Jacob 2, Rosie Carrigan 2, Catriona McGilp 2) Corinthian 0
UCD produced an excellent second half performance to race away from the challenge of Corinthian after a tight first half. Lisa Jacob scored an excellent solo goal to give the students the edge at half-time though it was far from one-sided as an understrength Corinthian held sway on the corner count at the break.

But UCD had way too much in the tank in the second half, Rosie Carrigan scoring twice, her second an excellent reverse-stick strike, as did Catriona McGilp who added a pair including a deft to deflection to Jacob’s baseline cross to round out a solid win to tighten their grip on fourth place in the standings.

* For more of Adrian Boehm's photos from Railway Union vs Trinity, click here

Pembroke back in pole position

Men's Division One:
Glenanne 3 (Graham Shaw 3) Fingal 5 (David Bane 2, Eamon Bane, Tom Manning, Adrian Sweeney)
Fingal struck three times in the closing ten minutes to confirm their place in division one for another season, conquering in an ill-tempered match that saw both Stephen Butler and Steven Doran red-carded at St Mark’s.

Tom Manning got the only goal of the first half, finishing well in the 18th minute, before Adrian Sweeney doubled the lead, twice having to round Doran before eventually rolling home for 2-0.

Graham Shaw completed a corner move to get the Glens back into the tie before all the shenanigans kicked off with captains David Bane and David Keogh – wearing the armband on his 21st birthday in place of Joe Brennan – both sin-binned due to continuing altercations around the pitch.

The move scarcely acted as a calming measure as a tussle between Graham Shaw and Eamon Bane escalated with Derek O’Gorman and Stephen Butler, weighing in. Butler was shown yellow and continued dissent saw the sanction upgraded to red.

Gary Sharman followed to the sin-bin for not retreating fully and disrupting an auto-pass before Shaw got Glenanne back on terms with a carbon-copy of the first corner, a switch to the pusher-out. And he got his hat-trick when he deflected a crash ball past Nigel Grothier.

However, Fingal had the extra man for the closing stages and were level at 3-3 when Paddy Gahan was cleaned out on the edge of the 25 and Eamon Bane was on hand to rebound from the resulting corner.

David Bane zipped home a drag-flick before he completed the win on the final whistle from the flick spot. Sweeney won the stroke, drawing a foul from Doran who was shown a straight red for dissent.

The win sees Fingal clear of any potential relegation play-off while the loss for Glenanne, allied to Corinthian’s draw, means the title is very much back in Pembroke’s hands.

Corinthian 0 TRR 0
Corinthian’s hopes of a maiden Leinster division one title took a huge hit, though it could have been worse but for a few Ross Murray moments of magic to deny Three Rock all three points. The goalkeeper kept out Sven Galjaardt’s penalty stroke awarded after Pierre de Voux had his attempted shot on goal checked.

He also incredibly denied from Mick Maguire, a save made after initially being wrong-footed before diving the opposite direction to his body-weight to deny a shot from three yards.
Both sides had a couple of corner chances which went unconverted while the reds finished with nine men after both Lucas Piccioli (bad tackle) and Darren Kimfley (dissent) were sin-binned. Chris Pelow had earlier been binned for a stick-tackle, too.

Monkstown 1 (Andrew Ward) Pembroke 2 (Alan Giles, Paddy Conlon)
Pembroke produced some of their more fluid hockey of late as they started like a train against Monkstown. Alan Giles opened the scoring when he touched in at knee-height after Adam Pritchard had flicked the ball goalwards. Giles was also instrumental in the second goal, intercepting in the second half to set up a one-on-one with Dave Fitzgerald and squaring to Paddy Conlon to complete the move.

Mick O’Connor had earlier had a goal chalked off; Fitzgerald pulled off a superb stick save from a Sothern drag while Brian Groves cleared another effort from Sothern off the line after the ball stopped virtually on the post.

Andrew Ward pulled one back with a reverse-stick deflection to Andy Ewington’s drag and the Town built some late pressure as they went in search of a point but Pembroke held out and, with other results going their way, now have the destiny of the league title very much in their own hands.

YMCA 5 (Simon Mills, Andy Walker, Mikey Fry 2, Richie Pedreschi) Clontarf 2 (Luke Hayden, Andy Poynter)
YM recovered from a 2-1, half-time deficit to keep their IHL bid intact, scoring four times in the second half to pick up the points at Alexandra College. Luke Hayden deflected in a reverse-stick cross from Andy Poynter to break the deadlock and while Simon Mills fired home a drag-flick, the Bulls had the lead on half-time when Poynter finished a one-on-one.

Tarf were decent value for their lead but the faded in the second half. Andy Walker got YM level in the 48th minute before Mikey Fry’s double made the game safe. He finished off a decent move created by Rob Whelan and Stephen Walker for the go-ahead goal before Richie Pedreschi completed the scoring with an excellent chip over Stephen Cairns from the top of the D.

Men's Division Two:
Weston 1 (Darrell Carey) Suttonians 0

Dublin University 9 (Andrew Beverland 2, Hal Sutherland, Tolly Humphries, Henry Butler, Andy Gray, Daire Coady, Chris Tyrell, Freddie Hill) Bray 3 (Phil Davis, Donal Kelly, Stephen Jones)
Trinity notched nine for the fourth time in 2010 thus far to move up to second in the rankings, comfortably claiming the three points against Bray at Grange Road. Phil Davis' penalty stroke had Bray level at 1-1 but the students pulled clear to lead 5-2 at half-time and added four second half goals to completed the rout with eight different scorers on the list.

D-day for Leinster trio's IHL dreams

Crunch time for Pembroke, Hermes and Loreto as they bid for the three remaining slots in the semi-finals of the Irish Hockey League on Sunday.

Both are involved in local derbies to decide their fate, hoping to join Railway Union in the final four with an albeit very remote chance of an all-Leinster play-offs weekend in May.

Hermes against Loreto is undoubtedly the highlight of the Pool B fixtures as the winner of the tie is certain to take up a semi-final berth. Hermes go through should the pair tie with Loreto, in that scenario, needing for a huge shock from Randalstown at Pegasus.

Consistency of selection has been a huge difficulty for the Beaufort club with such a huge contingent in the national squad, chopping and changing from week to week.

As such, Nikki Symmons, Louisa Healy and Lizzie Colvin back in the fray while they will be hoping Niamh Small’s knock last weekend in Nice is not to severe for her to play a part.

In their absence, they did pick up a decent draw against Railway Union which augurs well with Aisling Campions and Hannah Matthews impressing at the back while Nicci Daly and Cathy McKean showed up well further up the pitch.

Hermes will be without their taliswoman Jenny Burke for the rest of the season, though, who is expecting her second child. One of the best of her generation, Burke was central to their double victory over Railway a month ago which thrust Hermes into limelight as major contenders after a couple of months in the shadows.

Nonetheless, Aine Connery is in fine form as is Chloe Watkins who starred in Thursday’s St Andrew’s school’s cup final win.

Eric Fintelman has endured just one defeat since taking over the job mid-season and if that record is maintained, his side will be looking forward to an extended season.

Old Alex round out their maiden IHL journey against UCC; this time out they are able to face off with a much stronger panel than the one that traveled to Pegasus. The winner will take fourth place in the group.

In Pool A, the key battle from a Leinster perspective is the Sandymount derby as Pembroke cross the Dart tracks to face Railway.

The visitors to Park Avenue have much more to play for and might benefit from a little Mick McKinnon tinkering as Railway are already confirmed as table-toppers.

Pembroke’s form has picked up markedly in recent weeks and the added scramble of a place in Wednesday’s cup final squad brings extra motivation to impress – witnessed at a high energy training session in midweek.

Sarah Clarke has been banging in the corners of late. Emma Smyth is available again for Railway.
Cork Harlequins are the sharks circling just beneath, looking to reach the last four for a second successive year. They need to outdo Pembroke by a point as any tie in the standings can only be achieved by Quins ending on a higher goal difference.

They host an Ards’ side who need a bonus point win and Pembroke to get nothing to have chance of going through. Cork C of I host Ballymoney in the race to avoid the wooden spoon.

Meanwhile, in division one, Corinthian can move up to sixth if they get any sort of a result at UCD. However, a win for the students would confirm at least a top five finish and needing just two wins from their last four to confirm their automatic return to the IHL after a year’s hiatus.

Women’s ESB Irish Hockey League Rd 5:
Pool A (all Sunday, 1pm): Cork C of I vs Ballymoney (Garryduff); Cork Harlequins vs Ards (Harlequin Park); Railway Union vs Pembroke Wanderers (Park Avenue)
Pool B (all Sunday, 3pm): Old Alex vs UCC (Milltown); Loreto vs Hermes (Beaufort); Pegasus vs Randalstown (Queens).

Leinster Women – Division 1 (Saturday)
UCD v Corinthian, 1pm, Belfield

Vital showdowns galore for Div One hopefuls

Another series of vital fixtures in all the major scramble for positions as the penultimate weekend of the season sees the title chase, IHL tussle and relegation play-off battle all reach fever pitch.

Table-toppers Corinthian are at full strength for their home fixture against Marlay Park neighbours Three Rock Rovers, themselves bidding to keep a grip on and IHL berth.

Glenanne and Pembroke’s title bid, meanwhile, takes in a double-header this culminating in the pairs duel at St Mark’s on Sunday.

The Glens will be hoping for a modicum of revenge against Fingal for their Mills Cup exit at the quarter-final stage. David Bane has now served a two-match ban – one internal, one added by the Disciplinary committee – for incidents at the end of that fixture.

The Tallaght side impressed mightily in the opening stages against Three Rock on Thursday and will want a suitably lightning start to allow them more leeway to rotate players.

Pembroke face another side battling for fourth spot when they travel to Monkstown – the scene of last season’s league title annexation - for what always proves a fast, free-flowing tie. But Sunday is the weekend’s true highlight on the domestic scene.

Glenanne’s counter-attacking game in the Senior Cup proved the tactics to negate Pembroke’s rapier-like bursts from the back but whether such a move will work again remains to be seen.

Steven Doran was immense that day and, in his absence, emerging star Gareth Carragher will be put to the test by Alan Sothern et al. YMCA and Monkstown both play Clontarf this weekend, hoping to strengthen their hand in the race for a top four spot.

UCD's tie with Railway Union has been pushed back to midweek with the latter side in Irish Junior action on Saturday afternoon in Lisnagarvey.

Meanwhile, in division two Weston and Suttonians meet in what will prove to be a crucial fixture with a winner taking over top spot with three fixtures to go.

Suttonians bounced back after a couple of rough weeks in the league to record an excellent win over Belfast Harlequins last weekend to reach the Irish Hockey Trophy final.

Simon Walsh banged in a first half reverse and was subsequently on hand to play a sublime one-two with Conor Gillett to double the lead before Quins came back late on. (For more pictures from that game, click here)

Quinn’s combination with Gillett remains a serious threat for the Lucanites to watch out for but will hope the experience of Alan Browne, Shane O’Hare and Brian Scully can lift them to the top of the rankings. Trinity, meanwhile, will hope to put the pressure on in the race for a play-off spot as they host Bray at Grange Road.

In the Junior Cup, YM seconds will hope to continue their incredible winning streak to reach the last four of the competition. They started the season in patchy form but since Christmas have won every fixture.

Lisnagarvey II and Cork C of I II remain the current favourites, given their mix of experience and young up-and-coming talent – always the key ingredient at this level – though Cookstown II could be coming of age, too.

Monkstown II – enjoying an excellent year on the national cup circuit – and Fingal II meet at Rathdown to ensure a Leinster presence in the semi-finals.

Men's Division One
Saturday: Corinthian v Three Rock Rovers, 2.15pm, St Columba’s; Glenanne v Fingal, 12pm, St Mark’s; Monkstown v Pembroke, 1pm, Rathdown; YMCA v Clontarf, 1.30pm, Alexandra College
Sunday: Glenanne v Pembroke, 1pm, St Mark’s; Clontarf v Monkstown, 2.30pm, Mount Temple

Men's Division Two (Saturday)
Dublin University vs Bray, 11am, Grange Road; Weston vs Suttonians, 1.15pm, Griffeen Valley Park

Men’s Irish Junior Cup Quarter Final (Saturday)
Bangor II v YMCA II, 1pm, Ballykilliare; Lisnagarvey II v Railway Union II, 2.30pm, Hillsborough; Monkstown II v Fingal II, 2.40pm, Rathdown; Cork C of I II v Cookstown II, 2pm, Garryduff

Youthful juniors ready for Interpro defence

Leinster’s junior men begin their campaign to retain the interprovincial title this afternoon when they face a heavily Campbellians-influenced Ulster side.

Nigel Kingston’s blues panel draws heavily from Kilkenny and Navan with both sides providing four players to the party. Beyond that, the squad has a youthful look with Glenanne and St Mark’s pair Karl Crosbie and Rhys Coleman called up while St Andrew’s midfielder Michael Styles will be hoping to add to a midweek Senior school’s cup medal.

Trinity pair Benjamin Epstein and Stephen Willis are both freshers for the student club.
Sunday will prove the critical day with fixtures against Connacht and Munster. The southern province features Railway pair Mervyn McDowell – formerly of Trinity and Raphoe, too – and Mark Egner

On the women’s side, Leinster return to the competition after a year out and go in search of their first title since 2006.

They bring plenty of know-how to the table with Old Alex duo Una Budd and Michelle Heming leading the way. Monkstown ladies hockey club have their first Leinster representative honour since reforming in 2008 with former Trinity woman Fiodhna Burke called into the side while North Kildare have the biggest representation.

Sally Cory, Liz Hassett, Sarah O’Neill, Joanna O’Reilly and Shelley Spillane make up their quintet for their challenge this weekend. They begin against Ulster this morning before facing South East this afternoon. Connacht and Munster are the opponents tomorrow.

Leinster Junior Men: Karl Crobsie (GK, Glenanne), Michael Styles (Pembroke), Rhys Coleman (Glenanne), Benjamin Epstein (Dublin University), Jack Kavanagh (Kilkenny), Stuart Bradley (Kilkenny), John Lazenby (Kilkenny), Peter Haughton (Avoca), Ben Wallace (Kilkenny), Adam Lee (YMCA), David Wilson (Pembroke), Shane Dooley (capt, Navan), Dan Ryan (Dublin University), Stephen Willis (Dublin University), Ru Clarke (Navan), Emmet O’Mordha (GK, Navan), Eamon Lynskey (Navan)
Coach: Nigel Kingston
Manager: Ian Wilkie

Men’s Irish Junior Interpros, Harlequin Park, Cork: Ulster vs Connacht (9.30am); Munster vs Connacht (12.30pm); Leinster vs Ulster (3pm). Sunday: Leinster vs Connacht (10am); Munster vs Ulster (11.30am); Munster vs Leinster (3pm).

Leinster Junior Women: Bairbre Luke (GK, Old Alex), Lisa O’Rourke (Pembroke), Una Budd (Old Alex), Fiodhna Burke (Monkstown), Sarah Butler (Corinthian), Karen Clarke (Railway Union), Sally Cory (North Kildare), Jeananne Fennelly (Muckross), Liz Hassett (North Kildare), Michelle Heming (capt, Old Alex), Catherine Lawson (Suttonians), Anne Marie McKeogh (Pembroke), Louise Kennedy (Glenanne), Sarah O’Neill (North Kildare), Anna O’Neill (Pembroke), Joanna O’Reilly (North Kildare), Laura Pomphrett (Loreto), Shelley Spillane (North Kildare)
Coach: Nick Moy
Managers: Sarah Williams/Karen Eppel

ESB Women’s Irish Junior Interpros, Garryduff, Cork: Munster vs Connacht (9am); Ulster vs Leinster (10.30am); South East vs Connacht (12pm); Munster vs Ulster (3.30pm); Leinster vs South East (5pm). Sunday: Ulster vs Connacht (8.30am); Munster vs South East (10am); Connacht vs Leinster (11.30am); South East vs Ulster (2.45pm); Munster vs Leinster (4.15pm).

Glenanne start busy season in style

Men's Division One:
Glenanne 4 (Shane O'Donoghue, Graham Shaw 2, Alan Lewis) TRR 0
Given their busy schedule in the next ten days, Glenanne produced the perfect opening salvo to keep their division one title bid on track as they raced into a 3-0 lead within 25 minutes at St Mark's last night. That lead gave Arul Anthoni greater leeway to rotate players as his side faces into a run of five league matches in ten days.

Shane O'Donoghue opened the scoring following Eddie O'Malley's turnover on halfway before Paul Fitzpatrick played an integral role in the second, overlapping down the right flank before squaring to Graham Shaw who finished first time.

Shaw netted again from a broken down corner for a commanding lead and Alan Lewis added the insurance goal in the second half. Three Rock were not without their chances but Steven Doran did what he needed to do, most notably stick-saving from Sven Galjaardt's drag-flick. He may be a big miss on Sunday for the visit of Pembroke as he attends a wedding.