College gunning for C of I scalp

UCC will attempt to prove they are ready to upset the apple cart in Munster men’s hockey when they head to Garryduff to face champions Cork Church of Ireland tomorrow (2pm). The students gained a confidence-boosting 5-0 win over C of I’s seconds at the Rochestown venue last week, but know a far tougher challenge awaits in trying to shut down the likes of David Hobbs and John Jermyn.

Bandon visit C of I B tonight (8pm) hoping to make amends for last week’s scrappy 6-3 loss at home to C of I’s firsts, while Catholic Institute get their season underway with a tough encounter at home to Cork Harlequins. The top two women’s side meet at Rosbrien in something of a novel clash, as Catholic Institute take on Ashton. The Blackrock Road club have made their best start in years with two wins from two, but Institute will be firm favourites to extend a similar winning record, having hit 14 goals without reply in their opening two encounters. Belvedere’s baptism of fire since promotion continues as they head to Farmer’s Cross to attempt to stymie a Cork Harlequins side likely to be in unforgiving mood after being held to a scoreless draw by Bandon last week. Third-placed UCC will hope to pile on the misery for Cork C of I — who have yet to get off the mark — when they visit Garryduff. Elsewhere, the three Peters sisters — Bandon’s Emma and UL’s Laura and Stephanie — may come face to face for a family affair as their clubs meet in west Cork. UL, who have suffered two heavy defeats thus farm must also face down Institute – 9-0 victors in the reverse fixture last week –  in a Limerick derby on Sunday. Men’s Div 1: Cork C of I B vs Bandon (Garryduff, tonight, 8pm); Cork C of I A vs UCC (Garryduff, 2pm); Catholic Institute vs Cork Harlequins (Rosbrien, 2pm); Women’s Div 1: Cork C of I vs UCC (Garryduff, 10am); Catholic Institute vs Ashton (Rosbrien, 2pm); Cork Harlequins vs Belvedere (Harlequin Park, 12pm); Bandon vs UL (Bandon GS, 12.30pm); UL vs Catholic Institute (UL, Sunday, 3.30pm).