SPORTS BRIEFS:After almost a five-month break the Irish Hockey League resumes tomorrow with the penultimate round of pool matches, Hermes and Loreto leading the way in their groups but with six other clubs still in contention, mathematically at least, for a place in the semi-finals.
Both pool leaders could seal their spots in the last four if results go their way tomorrow, the key game in pool B the meeting of Loreto and second-placed Railway Union. Ballymoney, in third, will hope to take advantage of the top-two meeting when they take on Lurgan at home.
In pool A, Hermes host Munster champions Catholic Institute, who are tied on seven points with Pegasus, one behind newly crowned Leinster champions UCD.
The students are at home to Old Alexandra.
FIXTURES: Irish Hockey League – Pool A: Pegasus v Armagh, Queens, 2.30; Hermes v Catholic Institute, St Andrews, 3.0; UCD v Old Alexandra, Belfield, 4.20. Pool B: Cork Harlequins v UCC, Farmers Cross, 3.0; Loreto v Railway Union, Beaufort, 2.0; Ballymoney v Lurgan, Joey Dunlop Centre.
Glenanne hold the edge with home advantage
The Irish Hockey League kicks back to life this weekend after more than five months in cold storage. The last matches were played at the beginning of November 2011 with two more rounds scheduled over two weekends before next season’s European representatives are known.
In Pool A Monkstown will be hoping that the next couple of matches can put a shine on their season.
While Cookstown currently hold the top place with nine points, Monkstown are just two behind and face into another local spat with Glenanne.
The Tallaght side got the better of them in the last meeting but these engagements are generally tight with Glenanne perhaps holding the slight edge with home advantage. Cookstown makes the long haul to Cork for their game against Harlequins.
The home side are four points adrift and are also in need of a win to push up the ranks.
An all-Ulster affair between Banbridge, on seven points, and bottom-placed Instonians could be interesting as Instonians will have a full squad available.
In another all-Dublin clash in Pool B, second-placed YMCA will host Leinster Senior Cup winners Pembroke, who are on five points. Again it will probably be a pivotal match and one of their most important games of the season.
FIXTURES: Pool A – Banbridge v Instonians, Havelock Park 6pm; Cork Harlequins v Cookstown, Farmers Cross 1pm; Glenanne v Monkstown, Glenanne Park 3pm. Pool B: C of I v TRR, Garryduff, 2.30pm; Lisnagarvey v Annadale, Hillsborough 4pm; YMCA v Pembroke, Alexandra College 1.30pm.
Hamiliton’s hopes of pole hat-trick end with penalty
Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of a hat-trick of pole positions disappeared at the Chinese Grand Prix yesterday when McLaren said he would collect a five-place penalty on the starting grid for an unscheduled gearbox change.
The 2008 Formula One world champion has yet to win this season despite starting the first two races in Australia and Malaysia on pole. He won in China last year and is the only driver to have won twice in Shanghai since the race was added to the calendar in 2004. A spokesman said Hamilton would use the car’s existing gearbox for today’s practice before having it switched out for tomorrow.
The forced change means McLaren will also be unable to lock out the front row for the third race in succession.
Lynch lies second overall behind Portugal’s Roque
Light winds proved challenging for the opening day of the Mitsubishi Youth Sailing Nationals on Dublin Bay yesterday when the first fleets started their programme. A record entry has been received this year, boosted by a string of international interest in advance of the ISAF Youth Worlds in July.
Ireland’s Finn Lynch put in two solid races in the Laser Radial class where he posted a seventh place and a race win in the 65 boat fleet. The National Yacht Club sailor lies second overall behind Portugal’s Pedro Roque from Portimão.
In the 420 class, where Irish crews are relatively new entrants, Robert Dickson and Seán Waddilove had a sixth place and a second to hold third place overnight behind two French entries led by Jennifer Poret and Louise Chevet.
Yesterday’s conditions included a firm flood tide crossing the course at right angles which added to the challenge of barely five knots of wind. Today’s forecast isn’t any better.
Australia win by three wickets
Australia won an exciting first Test against West Indies by three wickets on Wednesday as Michael Clarke’s team were rewarded for their positive approach. After West Indies were bowled out for 148 before lunch on the final day, the tourists were set a victory target of 192 in two sessions.
Australia were cautious before tea but with the light fading fast, they stepped up the run-rate in the final session despite losing six wickets in the process. Narsingh Deonarine took 4-53 as West Indies exposed the Australia tail but with Mike Hussey (32) taking an aggressive approach, Australia crossed the line before darkness fell. The victory completed an outstanding turnaround from the tourists who at one stage in their first innings were 250 for seven chasing 449 for nine declared before Ryan Harris and the tail produced invaluable resistance.
Clarke’s decision to declare Australia’s first innings at 406 for nine, even though they were 43 runs behind, proved to be a master-stroke, exposing a seemingly tired unprepared West Indies top order to a tough afternoon session.
