A fresher, more aware Cork C of I side put in a highly positive claim for the All Ireland hockey title when they drove to a comprehensive defeat of Three Rock Rovers in the first of the league play offs at Serpentine Avenue last night.
It remains to be seen what the Munstermen have left in reserve when they tackle the well organised Instonians today. Last night, C of I darted into the lead after barely a minute when Darren Hanna swept the ball into the roof of the net from a free taken by his equally incisive, strong running brother, Colin.
Rovers could offer little in response. Missing Angus Dunlop at sweeper, they lost international midfielder Rick Johnson and also defender Andrew Walker at an early stage with recurring injury problems.
With Alastair Dunne in inspired form, C of I increased their lead before the interval when Dunne flicked home a short corner.
Three Rock, prompted unsparingly by the veteran Robert Haughton, made some impact in the second half; but after three short corners came to nought a break by the Cork right winger Bryan Welch yielded a penalty stroke, which Dunne converted unerringly.
Rovers at least took the bare look off the scoreline when Robin Madeley scored directly from a corner 15 minutes from the end. But there was to be no further breakthrough against a defence in which Ger Burns and Mark Fuller notably, played with total concentration.
