Mark Kingston’s men caused the shock of round one in ousting Cork Harlequins 3-2, and in Melvin Beamish, Colin Kingston and Glen Forde they have a tricky forward unit. But ’Garvey will represent a huge step up in class.

Cork C of I go to Suttonians with high hopes of progressing, especially given the availability of Stephen Sweetnam, whose quick hands and drag-flicking ability make him a danger from play and corners.

Round two of the women’s competition sees Cork Harlequins host Loreto, as they seek to inflict further pain on a Leinster outfit after winning brilliantly at Glenanne in round one.

Bandon face Irish Junior Cup holders Lisnagarvey at Comber Road on Saturday. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Jane Chapple and Maria Collins will both be key to their chances against a side high on confidence after winning 8-1 against Portadown first time out.

Ciara McCarthy is on fire for Bandon ladies — she hit four in the first team’s 5-1 win over YMCA last week, and the winner against Belfast Harlequins in round one — and they’ll need her in the groove again as they host Trinity.

Cork C of I face Irish hockey’s longest trip, heading to Co Antrim outfit Ballymoney, hoping veteran Cathy Walsh and tyro Emma Dobson can combine to good effect as they did in the 2-1 win over Lurgan.

Catholic Institute, current leaders in Munster’s Division 2, will hope the likes of Katie Campbell can bring some first-team experience to the table as they visit 2010 champions Randalstown.

While it’s a blank weekend in the women’s league – sewn up by Institute last weekend – there’s one men’s tie as Catholic Institute host Cork Harlequins in a bottom-meets-top clash at Rosbrien.

Quins won’t be expecting to see their 100% record to come under threat from a side without a win all term – and who they recently beat 8-1 on home turf. But they will have noted Institute’s excellent first-half performance against Bandon last week, where they led 2-1 at the break.

For their part, Insta will be glad of more high quality opposition as they prepare for next weekend’s Irish Trophy quarter-final at home to Raphoe.

UCC are also in the last eight shake-up, and played their final  league game before their trip to Bangor against Quins B at the Mardyke yesterday.

On a freezing night, the side hit something of a hot streak as they cruised to a 5-0 win with the majority of the damage done in the opening stanza.

Peter Catchpole’s backhand shot from the top of the D, coming after a goalmouth scramble was only half-cleared, started the rout before Roger Gray first-timed home following a sweet passing move involving Adam O’Callaghan, David Doherty and Fionn O’Leary.

Andrew Gray then netted a drag-flick and tapped in Catchpole’s crash ball for a 4-0 half-time lead.

A pair of yellow cards for Quins stunted any chance they had of building their own momentum, before Colin Manning’s behind-the-back deflection off Roger Gray’s cross finished the job.

College will be hoping the result breeds confidence ahead of their Munster Senior Cup clash with Bandon in west Cork on Sunday (2pm).

This is a vital encounter for both sides, and not just for the right to earn a semi-final berth away to Quins. UCC have always under-performed when they need to get a win to fuel their IHL wildcard ambitions in the past few seasons,and winning down west would be a huge psychological boost before the sides meet there in the league on the final day of the season.

Bandon know the importance of these clashes too and have developed a habit of eking out crucial goals when it matters most; Ali Smith and Aaron Beamish have both earned unlikely draws at the Mardyke in the past 12 months.

Men’s Div 1: UCC 5 (Andy Gray 2, Roger Gray, Peter Catchpole, Colin Manning) Quins B 0

Saturday: Catholic Institute v Cork Harlequins, 12.30pm, Rosbrien.

Electric Ireland Irish Junior Cup, Rd 2 (all ties Saturday)

Men: Lisnagarvey v Bandon, 1pm Comber Rd; Newry v Banbridge, 4pm, Newry Olympic; Three Rock Rovers v Bangor, 2.30pm, Grange Road; Pembroke W v Corinthian, 1.30pm Serpentine Ave; Raphoe v Cookstown, 1pm, Royal & Prior; Annadale v YMCA, 2.30pm, Lough Moss Suttonians v Cork C of I, 3pm, Santa Sabina; Kilkeel v Antrim, 2.30pm, Kilkeel High School;

Women: Hermes v Railway Union, 1.30pm, St. Andrews; Cork Harlequins v Loreto, 1pm, Harlequin Park; Ballymoney v Cork C of I, 1pm, Joey Dunlop Galway v Corinthian, 1pm, Dangan; Pembroke Wanderers v UCD, 3.30pm, Serpentine Avenue; Dromore v Pegasus, 2.30pm, Ferris Park; Bandon v Dublin University, 1pm, Bandon Grammar; Randalstown v Catholic Institute, 1pm, Antrim Forum.

Gene Muller watched his side create decent opportunities throughout their five-and-a-half games – the final tie with Belgium was called off at 1-1 due to a waterlogged pitch – but for a return of just four goals.

Three of those came from defenders at short corners, which also produced the main near misses, though Nikki Evans’ brilliant reverse-stick strike against Belgium – a first goal from play since Aine Connery’s against India in December – did end things on a brighter note.

Chloe Watkins of Ireland and Lisa Deetlefs of South Africa both miss a high ball during the Investec Series Womens International Hockey match between South Africa and Ireland from Randburg Hockey Stadium on January 25, 2012 in Randburg, South Africa. Picture: Duif du Toit / Gallo Images

Cork Harlequins defender Cliodhna Sargent’s pair of corner bashes helped Ireland open their tour with a 2-1 defeat of South Africa.

She netted 43 seconds from time to hand Ireland their first ever victory over South Africa, winning their warm-up game at high altitude in Randburg. It was her second of the evening with Jade Mayne’s rebound the response from the home side who had gone unbeaten in four matches against Ireland in the past 18 months.

Things took a turn for the worse in their second build-up clash, this time with the Belgians, who will host Ireland’s Olympic qualifier at Beerschot in March.

Stephanie de Groof’s 11th minute goal – on her 5oth cap – handed Belgium a 1-0 win, with Audrey O’Flynn’s close calls at corner time representing Ireland’s best chance at replying. Louisa Healy also saved a de Groof penalty stroke.

With the Investec Tri-Nations Series getting underway a day later, world record goalscorer Pietie Coetzee nailed a penalty corner drag-flick past the outstanding Emma Gray in the seventh minute to clinch a 1-0 win for South Africa.

It brought her tally to 231 goals in 234 matches but she was left disappointed as she could not make further use of another seven corners.

Ireland then fell to their third successive 1-0 loss as Sofie Gierts pounced to give Belgium their second consecutive win over the girls in green.

They started off in decent fashion, winning an early corner while Emma Smyth struck the outside of the goal before Belgium picked up some momentum and they hit the front in the 17th minute when Gierts gobbled up a rebound created by Jill Boon’s initial shot.

O’Flynn clattered the bar with a corner 40 seconds into the second half as Ireland began to turn the screw, but again goals weren’t forthcoming.

Ireland did have the consolation of remaining unbeaten in their two matches thereafter, and were unlucky not to claim a first win as Nicolene Terblanche’s goal five minutes from time cancelled out Michelle Harvey’s early drag-flick in a 1-1 draw with South Africa.

Their final game was called off at half-time due to a waterlogged pitch. The girls in green were drawing 1-1 with Belgium at the time, thanks to Nikki Evans’ searing backhand strike as Ireland finally scored from play.

Next on the agenda for Ireland is a three-day training camp in Beerschot on February 25 before the Olympic qualifier begins on St Patrick’s Day.

Warm-up matches

Ireland 2 (C Sargent 2) South Africa 1 (J Mayne)
Ireland 0 Belgium 1 (S de Groof)

Investec Tri-Nations Series 

Ireland 0 South Africa 1 (P Coetzee)
Ireland 0 Belgium 1 (S Gierts)
Ireland 1 (M Harvey) South Africa 1 (N Terblanche)
Ireland 1 (N Evans) Belgium 1 (S Gierts) (abandoned due to waterlogged pitch)

Chuck Noll

I am back in Richmond after an extended break back home, with some new classes to take this semester – introduction to expository writing, alternative photographic processes and fundamentals of music. The pressure is off for us hockey-wise somewhat, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the academia this term.

Rebecca in action for Richmond Spiders prior to the Christmas break.

Our off-season training has nonetheless begun. For these few weeks, it consists of 7.15am weight sessions three times a week, and running sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is a huge emphasis put on technique; we are learning the correct way to run, lift weights and do drills to make us stronger and more agile. This isn’t overly strenuous, but I find it hugely beneficial. Weight-lifting and running techniques aren’t exactly the most exciting aspects in the sport of hockey, but they are essential in succeeding at it.

I enjoyed my time back home. While it was not without its ups and downs, I wouldn’t have been anywhere else for the Christmas period! I was very fortunate because my club, Catholic Institute, allowed me to train and play two matches with them. I always enjoy club hockey, it’s very important to me and it meant a lot to be given the opportunity to train with and play for the club again.

They are a great bunch of hard-working and fun girls and I consider myself very lucky to have been allowed to line out in the wine and white while I was home! The coaches, Ger O’Carroll and Dave Passmore, make a great duo; it isn’t easy to come by people as passionate, committed and understanding as Ger is.

Going back to America was tough. Even though Ryan (Elliott, Richmond Spiders assistant coach) had warned me that it would be hard, I never realised just how difficult it was going to be. I suppose having come home, been around my family and friends again and got back into a routine here made me feel like I had almost never left.

Rebecca (number 10) tries her hand at basketball at the University of Richmond.

It was easier to leave the first time I left, because it was all so exciting and such an adventure; it still is now, just not to the same extent. I wouldn’t describe myself as a home bird as such, but I certainly enjoy being at home and around my family and friends. When I booked my tickets to fly back in January, I booked it one-way because I’m not too sure when I’m going to come home, and I didn’t want to be tied down to coming home on a particular date. However, the idea of getting on the plane with a one-way ticket to America was a bit daunting at the time. I did have to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t emigrating, and I was only going across the pond for a few months!

I get asked a lot about homesickness. I would be lying if I said I haven’t suffered from it at one stage or another. From what I can see, the transition between second and third level education is challenging for everyone, but I guess the fact that I decided to change continents while doing so made it that little bit trickier. One of the more testing aspects of the American experience has been missing home and all it entails, but things like Facebook and Skype have made it so much easier. I can’t imagine moving to America without social networking.

When I feel like I just want to be back home, I always try to remind myself of just how lucky I am to be in the University of Richmond. I firmly believe that I landed on my feet in being scouted and attending this college. It’s hard to look at the positives in times where I just want a bit of a whinge and a moan, but this could be all over in the blink of an eye. I do not want to look back on my time in America thinking that I could have enjoyed it more. I want to grasp hold of every opportunity and gain as much life experience as possible.

Injury to his central panel was a rarity in 2011 but leaves the Irish boss with a string of concerns ahead of next month’s Olympic qualifiers in Dublin. Jermyn (ankle) is one such worry while skipper Gormley (knee) and schoolboy David Cole (broken shoulder) also miss out on the Valencia trip.

Cork C of I drag-flicker Jermyn is not always a starter for Ireland these days but his drag-flicking ability – along with Timmy Cockram’s – remains vital to Ireland’s cause.

The ankle injury suffered while training with his club last October, which restricted him to minimal game-time in the series against the Netherlands last month, is still causing concern.

John Jermyn's ankle injury is an ongoing concern for Ireland.

Richard Sykes and Brian Doherty both fit the bill as defenders with corner skills to fill the gap while utility man Bruce McCandless is available after injury and has the edge in experience. On the goalkeeping front, Ian Hughes steps out with Stephen West moving up as number three keeper following Iain Walker’s shoulder surgery last week.

Centurion Phelie Maguire has been added to the panel as part of a half-dozen players taking the place of a quartet of the Alicante selection for the latest 26 player panel.

On the trip, Ireland will play five matches against sides ranked higher in the world; Spain twice and Belgium three times.

They are coming off the back of two draws with Great Britain at Bisham Abbey; notable results in their own right but the side were annoyed not to have eked out a win.

Paul Gleghorne – whose brother Mark, a former Irish international, lined out for GB – finished off a fine team goal in game one (1-1) while Timmy Cockram’s pair of drag-flicks, including one on the final hooter, salvaged a 2-2 draw in the second encounter.

Ireland (Valencia, February 4-13): David Ames (Beeston), Jonny Bell (Lisnagarvey), Peter Blakeney (Three Rock Rovers), Chris Cargo (Reading), Peter Caruth (Annadale), Tim Cockram (Lisnagarvey), Mitch Darling (SCHC), Brian Doherty (Beerschot), David Fitzgerald (Monkstown), Paul Gleghorne (Instonians), Conor Harte (SCHC), David Harte (SCHC), John Jackson (Braxgata), Stuart Loughrey (Loughborough Students), Jason Lynch (Royal Racing Club Brussels), Eugene Magee (Dragons), Phelie Maguire (Hurley), Geoff McCabe (R.S. Tenis), Bruce McCandless (Banbridge), Andy McConnell (Hurley), Shane O’Donoghue (UCD), Ian Sloan (Cookstown), Richard Sykes (Monkstown), Gareth Watkins (Monkstown), Michael Watt (R.S. Tenis), Stephen West (Three Rock Rovers)

Match schedule: February 6: Ireland v Spain, 12pm;  February 8: Ireland v Belgium, 12pm; February 9: Ireland v Belgium, 12pm; February 12: Ireland v Belgium, 4pm; February 13: Ireland v Spain, 12pm

Cobh have the donkey work done, having played 12 of their 13 games, earning 27 points from a possible 36 – a remarkable feat for a newly-promoted side.

A 4-0 away demolition of Clonmel is their stand-out result so far, and Katie Murphy has hit seven goals during the campaign while Noelle Walsh and Liz Clifford have evenly shared out 12 between them.

Cobh's Mari Moynihan gives chase against Clonmel at Midleton College.

However, Tadgh Murphy’s troops were held to a 2-2 draw by fellow contenders C of I last weekend, and are just a point ahead of second-placed Clonmel, who have a game in hand.

The Tipperary outfit, under the tutelage of new coach Fergus O’Brien, have seen Leanne Fogarty, Jacqui Stokes and Barbara Ryan in particular get among the goals, and they also have an Irish Hockey Challenge semi-final against Kilkenny to look forward to.

The major issue for the top two is that they must now spend most of February playing a waiting game as they are not in action again until the 25th/26th. Tipperary are chasing hard in third place, on 24 points, with C of I next on 22 points but with another game in hand.

That means fifth-placed UCC will have a major say in the destination of the title – and with three games in hand and an eight-points gap between them and Cobh, the students can still win it themselves.

Their mid-month home game with Tipperary will therefore tell a lot, and the picture should become somewhat clearer by close of play on the 26th – Cobh’s final league encounter comes at home to College, while C of I and Clonmel face off at Garryduff.

College, who came down from Division 2, started the season badly when crashing to Cobh at home, but under the dual coaching influence of Paidi Hartnett and Brian Attridge, things have started to come good for captain Ciara O’Connell and her cohorts.

Coming from two down to earn a draw at home to Clonmel has proved a vital result, while Cathy McCarthy’s sextet of goals – mainly coming from skilful deflections – have been vital to their cause. They will also hope to welcome back broken wrist victim Daragh Hill for their final four matches against the sides above them.

That leaves five sides battling it out at the other end of the table, with Belvedere best-placed to finish top of that pile as they have a three-point lead over nearest challengers Dungarvan, albeit with a game more played than everyone else.

Clonmel's Jacqui Stokes and Barbara Ryan in action on the grit pitch in Dungarvan. Picture: Caron Duffy

Maria McSweeney captains a side that is nothing if not balanced, after three wins, three losses and three scoreless draws before Christmas.

Sarah McCoy’s battling qualities and the dependable Edel Murphy and goalkeeper Emma Lydon have come to the Ballincollig outfit’s rescue on numerous occasions this term, while four-goal Jen Murphy tops the scoring charts.

Dungarvan have once again utilised their familarity with their grit pitch to useful effect this term, despite seeing injury and travel-related departures afflict a panel that reaches Munster and Irish cup finals last term.

They’ve mixed the good, such as a 2-2 draw in Tipperary, with poorer results such as a shock 3-2 loss away to basement side UL, but shored things up in earning 1-1 draws with C of I, Waterford and UCC before the split.

A fascinating relationship has developed between Dungarvan and Clonmel in the Irish Hockey Challenge, too; the Co Waterford side won in extra-time in last year’s semi-final, and they were drawn together again this season in round one.

“They won in golden goal extra time. It was bittersweet revenge for what we did to them last year,” explained Dungarvan’s Munster Junior representative Roisin Briggs. “Although it is hard to take, we wish them all the best in the competition as they supported us all the way to the final last year.”

Full-back Martina Landers, netminder Lucinda Shrubb and skipper Sharon Duggan have been the side’s stand-out players, while youngsters Abbey Griffin, Olivia Phelan and Anne-Marie Tutty have helped plug the gaps left by absentees.

At the bottom, it’s a three-way mini-league between Waterford, Ashton and UL to avoid the drop. 18-year-old Trevor Gray has taken the coaching reins of the students, adding organisation and motivation to a side that features largely new faces compared to previous years.

The 3-2 win over Dungarvan remains their stand-out result although a 0-0 draw in Waterford could also prove valuable come the season’s end. Laura O’Kane dominates the defence from full-back while Inka Wümkes has made great strides on the left wing since taking up the game as a beginner four months ago.

Thanks to Claire Stack (Cobh), Dawn Grace (Clonmel), Roisin Briggs (Dungarvan), Maria McSweeney (Belvedere), Ciara O’Connell (UCC) and Elaine O’Flynn (UL) for their help in compiling this report. The Division 3 league table can be viewed here, with cup fixtures/results available here. Caron Duffy’s photos from the Dungarvan v Clonmel Irish Challenge quarter-final game can be seen here, with thanks to Clonmel LHC.

At a time when most clubs are still shaking off Christmas cobwebs and planning for a cup run, the Limerick ladies have the Munster Senior League title sewn up.

Co-captain Christine O’Shea had the honour of hitting the insurance goal against a resolute Cork Harlequins at Rosbrien on Saturday — after Nikki Sterritt had broken the deadlock. That secured a 2-0 win — their ninth from as many outings this term, with 50 goals scored and just three conceded.

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Under the guidance of Ger O’Carroll and David Passmore, no-one can deny they are worthy champions. With emigration and retirements affecting other clubs — Cork Church of Ireland, for example, have no player in the 20s in their usual match-day squad — Insta have largely kept their side together and brilliantly blended old and new.

Eimear Cregan — 23 league goals and counting — and Elaine Bromell provide the know-how with Kym Daly supplying the controlled energy to go with the youthful exuberance of Naomi Carroll and Eimear Ryan.

Furthermore, Claire Sullivan and Aoife Kenny are among those who have stepped up a level in the absence of America-based Rebecca Barry and fractured foot victim Róisín Upton.

While Insta took the plaudits in Munster, Bandon earned their spurs on the national stage.  Ciara McCarthy has been in sparkling form this season, and she added to her reputation with four goals in Bandon’s 5-1 Irish Hockey Trophy dismissal of YMCA.

That tally matched the number they’ve hit in seven league outings, with Louise O’Flynn also on target on a memorable day in west Cork.

John Dennis’ troops now have a quarter-final clash to look forward to, but Ashton won’t be alongside them in the draw. Their miserable record against Galway teams — they lost last year’s Examiner Cup final to Galway and were hammered by NUIG in this season’s competition — continued as they bowed out on penalty strokes after a 1-1 stalemate with Greenfields.

Meanwhile, Bandon’s men rallied in the second half to avoid a shock defeat away to Catholic Institute, prevailing 5-3.

Eric Callender’s pair of strikes sandwiched a David Smith reply to leave Insta — without a win this term — 2-1 up at the break, but Bandon found their rhythm in a dominant third quarter, netting through Smith, Andrew Scannell and Scott Sullivan before Ali Smith won and converted a penalty stroke. Dara Crowe hit a last-gasp consolation for the hosts.

Cork Harlequins chalked up their ninth win from nine with a routing 7-1 dismissal of C of I B, Dan Hobbs claiming a hat-trick. Quins’ seconds meet C of I’s firsts tonight — the first of two games in hand for the latter as they look to reel in a nine-point deficit.

Women Div 1: Catholic Institute 2 (N Sterritt, C O’Shea) Cork Harlequins 0;

Irish Hockey Trophy Rd 3 (Munster teams only): Greenfields 1 (A Whelan) Ashton 1 (C McCarthy) (aet, Greenfields win 4-2 on penalty strokes); Bandon 5 (C McCarthy 4, L O’Flynn) YMCA 1 (E Bradshaw);

Men Div 1: Catholic Institute 3 (E Callender 2, D Crowe) Bandon 5 (D Smith 2, A Scannell, S Sullivan, A Smith); Cork C of I B 1 (AN Other) Cork Harlequins 7 (D Hobbs 3, J Dale, D Lombard, J Hobbs, C Ross).

Not since the decade of domination by Cork Harlequins in the late 90s and early 2000s has a Munster league crown been up for grabs so early, but Institute can wrap it up before spring is in the air if they defeat second-placed Quins on home turf at Rosbrien tomorrow (12pm).

Three points would open up a 10-point gap over Quins with just nine more points up for grabs, meaning the Limerick side couldn’t be caught.

Catholic Institute's Aoife Kenny and Nikki Sterritt will be celebrating again this weekend if their side can defeat Quins and secure a Munster title. Picture: Ondine Roche

Despite a 100% record from eight games that has seen them hit 48 goals and concede just three, this is far from a foregone conclusion for Ger O’Carroll’s defending champions.

They needed a penalty stroke to see off Quins 1-0 in Cork before Christmas, and the  ever-humble O’Carroll is not the kind of coach who will tolerate complacency.

Quins will bring with them a burning sense of injustice from the sides’ previous encounter, and the win-or-bust mentality should suit the likes of Karen Bateman, who is back among the goals since ending her first team retirement.

Top of the bill for Stephen Dale’s charges though, will be keeping Institute out of their circle to prevent corners, with Elaine Bromell, Eimear Cregan and Aoife Kenny giving a  powerful trio of shooting options from the top of the D.

Elsewhere, Bandon and Ashton’s attention turns to national matters and round three of the Irish Hockey  Trophy, a competition that yielded encouraging results for both sides last term.

Bandon welcome YMCA to West Cork fresh from their success over UL, hoping Ciara McCarthy can continue her fine goalscoring form — she netted a hat-trick against Avoca in round one and is among the top scorers for both the club’s first and second teams.

Elsewhere, Ashton go west to take on Galwegian outfit Greenfields with both sides likely to look to local rivals for some insider knowledge; NUIG hammered Ashton 7-2 in the Examiner Cup earlier this year, while UCC comfortable beat  Greenfields 4-1 in last year’s Irish Hockey League wildcard play-offs.

Meanwhile, Bandon’s men will be bracing themselves for a Catholic Institute onslaught when the sides meet at  Rosbrien tomorrow (2pm) in a clash that has banana skin written all over it.

Institute have endured a miserable season of heavy defeats but are quietly hopeful that can take points off Stephen Jackson’s men, who will be gunning to make amends for dropping a point at home to Quins B a fortnight ago.

Bandon endured a bout of ‘circle fever’ in that game but if they can work Ali Smith, David Smith and Scott Sullivan into dangerous positions, they could cut loose.

Cork C of I B host Quins on Saturday before the roles are  reversed on Monday night when C of I visit Quins B.

Men’s Div 1: Catholic Institute v Bandon, 2pm, Rosbrien; Cork C of I v Cork Harlequins, 1.30pm, Garryduff; Cork Harlequins B v Cork C of I, Monday, 8pm, Harlequin Park.

Electric Ireland Irish Hockey Trophy Rd 3: Omagh v Portadown, 2.30pm, Campsie Omagh; Greenfields v Ashton, 3pm, Dangan; Galway v Victorians, 1pm, Dangan; Bandon v YMCA, 1pm, Bandon Grammar; Naas v Wexford, 3.45pm, Naas; North Kildare v Clontarf, 1.30pm, Kilcock; NICS v Larne, 1pm Stormont; Ballymena v Dromore, 2.30pm, Showgrounds.

Women’s Div 1: Catholic Institute v Cork Harlequins, 12pm, Rosbrien.

The west Cork school are back in the decider for the first time since 2009, when they won a memorable all-Bandon clash with Coláiste na Toirbhirte.

Scoil Mhuire's Emma Dobson attempts to get past Bandon Grammar's Laura Buttimer and Acacia Taylor. Picture: Andrew Gray

In a game mostly played between the 25s, Lorraine Copithorne got the decisive touch for the west Cork school when she forced home a short corner breakdown midway through the second half, the ball just getting over the line before it was cleared.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium, meaning corners provided the best chance of a goal. But all too often goalkeepers Ciara Randles and Muireann Mellot went untested; Copithorne did an excellent job in running down Scoil Mhuire’s efforts while Bandon rarely opted for a straight shot.

Scoil Mhuire were unable to match the brilliance they showed in defeating Mount Mercy 5-1 the previous week, despite the best efforts of Emily Reidy, Holly Lehane, Clio Cogan and Emma Dobson.

For Bandon, Laura Buttimer, Vicky Burns and Copithorne had notable outings but they know they’ll need to step things up when they play the winner of the clash between Crescent and Ursuline Convent Thurles.

That game was scheduled to go ahead yesterday but clashes with pre-Leaving Cert examinations have left uncertainty surrounding when it will now be played.

SCOIL MHUIRE: C Randles (GK), E Reidy, I Harding, R O’Dwyer, E Dobson, J Kelleher, C O’Toole, K O’Neill, H Lehane, C Cogan, M Egan, N O’Donnell, N O’Kelly, J Tingle, K Murphy (GK), A Dennehy.

BANDON GRAMMAR: M Mellot (GK), K Coombes, A O’Leary, C Helen, L Buttimer, V Burns, G Kingston, A Taylor, L Copithorne, S Sullivan, S Houston, D Obialor, C Smyth, L Nyhan.

Umpires: J Dennis & F Kelleher

Check out Southern Fried Hockey’s Facebook page for more pictures from the game!

That was just the west Cork men’s second loss of the campaign, and hands the initiative back to Cork Church of Ireland C, who have a four-point lead over Bandon and Limerick following some big results in recent weeks.

Chief among those was a 4-3 defeat of the west Cork men, followed up by a 4-1 dismantling of Limerick. David Herbert is the go-to man for the Garryduff outfit, with Gavin Jeffrey and Clifford Sweetnam holding the fort at the back.

Action from Limerick v Bandon B in Division 2. Picture: Courtesy LHC Facebook

Their sole loss came at Villiers early in the campaign as Limerick won out in a nine-goal thriller that’s been symptomatic of their season – goals raining in at both ends.

Robbie Ryan is still going strong for them with Tom Clarke starring in midfield, although his fellow Munster Junior representative Matt Shine’s move across the Irish sea has cost them some defensive solidity, with 23 goals shipped in nine outings. Munster U18 Nathan Eacrett’s searing pace has also caused every team in the division problems.

The top three must all meet again before the season is out, making each game a six-pointer, particularly for Bandon,  who must travel for both encounters.

10-goal Melvin Beamish has been their main dangerman while Munster U18 pair Fred McElroy and Ricky McMahon – a new signing from Belvedere – are progressing well, all under the stewardship of captain Trevor Martin and coach Mark Kingston.

That three-team mini league of sorts is split by seven points from the bottom three, with Cork Harlequins C best off there on 12 points despite some indifferent recent form.

Stuart Egner and captain Moray Russell are  the heartbeat of that side while the return of former Bandon Grammar defender Ben Hale to hockey has been a big boost for them, particularly given Rob Morris’ work has taken him to Kilkenny while John Duggan is out with a broken ankle.

A number of regulars have been drafted up to the seconds too, but Munster Juniors vice-captain Alex Newenham is still a regular source of goals -  he claimed a hat-trick in a 4-1 defeat of Ashton – while Killian Deasy is a major player for them when available.

Quins have a fou-point buffer over UCC B, who have undergone a mini-renaissance in 2012 after a dismal opening half of the campaign.

A 2-2 draw with Quins C was their only positive result in the first seven games – just two of which were at home -  although two narrow 2-1 defeats to C of I C suggested the Colin Manning-skippered side weren’t that far off the pace.

Their fortunes have improved since the Christmas break, with Graham Catchpole, Scott Hornibrook and Malcolm Coombes inspiring them to a 3-0 win over Quins C and that shock win over Bandon – the catalyst for which was  a wondergoal from fresher David O’Farrell, who has starred at this level despite only taking up hockey as a beginner in October.

Graham Catchpole (centre) has been a crucial cog in UCC's recent improvement in Division 2. Picture: Mary Claire O'Grady

College nonetheless still have four points to make up on Quins, with Ashton three further behind. Their sole victory of the season was a 4-2 win over the students back in round two, and they have lost heavily at times – to C of I C (10-0) and Limerick (9-1 and 5-1) in particular.

It’s not all doom and gloom on the Blackrock Road, however; resilience has been shown in patches, notable the 3-3 draw earned away to Bandon B, and the side is littered with promising young talent such as Brian Stockil of Munster U16s.

His father Mark is a mainstay of the side along with midfielder Phil Oakley, ably assisted by Zach O’Callaghan, Paul Holland and Shane O’Halloran. With UCC in their sights in two of their next four games, Ashton will be hoping a revival is around the corner.

The Division 2 league table can be viewed here, with cup results available here and here. Thanks to Moray Russell (Cork Harlequins), Melvin Beamish (Bandon) and Ian Buckley (Ashton) for their help in compiling this report.

Their ability to win on the road has proved vital; single-goal wins away to against Cork Harlequins and Waterford, especially the latter, where they came from two down to win 3-2.

That keeps a two-point buffer between them and Cork C of I, who are chasing hard but suffered a harrowing 6-1 defeat at Rosbrien.

Ciara Moloney’s goals have been vital for an Insta side skippered by Orla Curtin – she claimed two in the 4-0 defeat of Belvedere and nabbed the only goal in a Division 2 cup victory over C of I in Garryduff.

Action from the Division 2 Cup game between Limerick and Bandon. Picture: Kieran Kenneally

Their sole loss has come against neighbours Limerick, who are seven points off the pace but have two games in hand. John Meyler’s troops are not finding things as easy as they had in their two successive promotions, but few favours are handed out in one of the most competitive leagues in the province.

The loss of New Zealand-bound central midfielder Fenagh Smith hasn’t helped in this regard, although Munster U18 Ciara Hayes is having a fine season in her place, rotating between the midfield and centre forward roles.

Another player on the move is Aoife Ryan, who has settled well since moving back to the defence from the forward line, while Gillian Quigley, who arrived from YMCA, has settled in well.

Goalkeeper Anne Marie Byrne has been the team’s star at the back as they’ve notched some notable results; the win over Insta and a 2-1 defeat of Cork Harlequins the main notables.

Quins are the next team back in fourth place, with Maria Collins’ troops having a mixed campaign in front of goal. They came from two goals down to draw with Limerick in a highly-charged encounter, but defeats to Institute and Fermoy and 1-1 draws on the road to C of I and Ashton have hindered progress.

When things have clicked, Belvedere (4-0) and Bandon (4-1) have been on the receiving end, with four-goal Jane Chapple the side’s top scorer.

Coach David Egner has termed late Munster U18 call-up Abbey Oakes as the “find of the year” while the return of Norma Brady and Erica Breen has bolstered the defence and the consistency of Kate Herbert and Fiona Higgins has been a major plus.

Also featuring in a very bunched-looking mid-table are John Moloney’s Fermoy, who are down a number of players due to pregnancy but have seen the gaps filled by younger members of the north Cork club.

Fermoy have been forced to blood new players this term but recently picked up a notable cup win over Quins.

Nat Keniry’s return after having her first baby has boosted the forward line – as evidence by a hat-trick in the heartbreaking 4-3 Irish Trophy defeat to Larne – while renowned Irish Hockey Photographers snapper Ondine Roche has performed miracles between the sticks, not least in saving a late penalty stroke to help Fermoy to a 1-0 cup win over Quins recently.

Trish Fitzpatrick and Munster U18′s Ciara Sexton have also been among the goals this year – the side have 15 from 7 games in total – but they are aiming to up that tally and finish in the top half of the table. Two wins in their two games in hand would bring them back into title contention.

Elsewhere, defending champions Bandon have had a tricky campaign, notching just two wins from eight as much of their panel are playing with other teams in the club every weekend.

Ciara McCarthy – as she has done in Division 1 – has been their main source of goals while Munster U16′s Laura Buttimer is also having a fine season.

Having seen off Belfast Harlequins 3-2 in the Irish Junior Cup and reached the final of last year’s Division 2 Cup, Rob Smith’s side are hoping the cup competitions will provide some salvation from a tough league campaign over the coming months – as evidenced by their brilliant 4-3 away win over Limerick recently.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table it’s a three-way fight between Belvedere, Ashton and Waterford – with two points separating them – to avoid the drop, though Bandon could yet be dragged into the mire. With four of Division 3′s top five all likely to be seeking promotion if they finish top of the pile, relegation is a real possibility in the tier above.

Belvedere have had to cope with the loss of seven first-teamers since their drop from Division 1, although Ann Marie Dooley is still the side’s totem, having hit six goals this term with Trish Moran netting three, while Waterford have also slipped back somewhat since their own experience of the top level a couple of seasons ago.

The trio all seem to have difficulties finding the net – they’ve yet to hit double figures after nine games – though Ashton will be hoping their defensive record, which is comparable with any side in the league, will help lift them out of trouble.

The Division 2 league table can be viewed here, with cup results available here. Thanks to Valerie Buttimer (Bandon), David Egner (Cork Harlequins), Lorraine McGowan (Limerick) and Marie Arnold (Fermoy) for their help in compiling this report.