WOMEN'S HOCKEY:HAVING TAKEN Bray's place in the Leinster First Division at short notice Three Rock now have the formidable task of playing Irish Senior Cup holders Pegasus in the first round of the competition tomorrow, having replaced the Wicklow club in the draw.
While the newcomers lost their opening league game of the campaign to a final-minute Old Alexandra goal last weekend, Pegasus were beginning their efforts to regain the title they lost to Ballymoney last season, the first time in 14 years they failed to win their league.
The Belfast side, who more than made up for that disappointment with an ISC and Irish Hockey League double, opened last Saturday with a 6-0 defeat of Lurgan, Ulster Elks’ opponents in tomorrow’s first round.
Queen’s and Randalstown meet in the round’s other all-Ulster tie, with Pembroke Wanderers and Old Alexandra paired in the only all-Leinster affair.
Three Leinster clubs travel out of the province for their ties, Trinity are away to Ards, Loreto visit Lisnagarvey, while UCD will be hoping to maintain their impressive start to the season at Cork Harlequins.
Harlequins’ 15-year run as Munster champions was ended last season by Catholic Institute and a shock defeat to the University of Limerick in their opening game a fortnight ago didn’t augur well for their hopes of regaining their crown. The side, rebuilding after several retirements and departures, got back to winning ways last week, though, beating Ashton 3-2. Munster rivals UCC are away to Armagh tomorrow.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday – Irish Senior Cup, first round: Armagh v UCC, Orchard RC, 1pm; Queen’s v Randalstown, Queens, 1pm; Cork Harlequins v UCD, Farmers Cross, 1.30; Lurgan v Ulster Elks, Lurgan Junior HS, 2.30; Lisnagarvey v Loreto, Hillsborough, 2.30; Ards v Trinity, Ards, 2.45; Three Rock v Pegasus, Grange Road, 3pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Old Alexandra, Serpentine Avenue, 3pm. Byes to the second round: Ballymoney, Belfast Harlequins, Portadown, Catholic Institute, Corinthian, Glenanne, Hermes, Railway Union. Leinster League – Division One: Corinthian v Railway Union, Whitechurch, 2.15.
