C of I to be tested by big Bann theory

Cork Church of Ireland are ready for their biggest test yet as they bid to repeat 2009’s Irish Junior Cup heroics. The Garryduff men stunned Pembroke 5-1 in the final with a side combining the experience of the likes of Mark Holmes with a plethora of teenage talent, and the 2013 vintage has a similar look about it as they face Banbridge in the quarter-finals. Two home draws have helped them see off Mossley and Belfast Harlequins, but Bann — buoyed by their 5-4 extra-time win at Fingal in round two — will be a different proposition.

Like C of I, Ashton are Munster’s last hope in the women’s competition. They are untested so far having been given a bye in round one before Queen’s University handed them a walkover, and will have a mountain to climb despite home advantage against a skilful Railway Union side. Domestically, the biggest men’s game of the weekend sees C of I host UCC on Sunday, a fixture that has had added spice in recent years given the majority of the College side are former members of Garryduff. Bandon host Harlequins hoping to take inspiration from how their compact defence stymied C of I for 35 minutes last Saturday. Catholic Institute’s women hit the road for Cork having roared back into title contention in the recent weeks but will know opponents C of I represent a potential banana skin, as they proved in holding Cork Harlequins to a 2-2 draw last week. Quins are likely to take out their frustration on UL, who will have one eye on their Munster Senior Plate semi-final date in Bandon on Sunday. The west Cork girls are in league action against Limerick on Saturday with both sides looking to chase down Ashton in the battle for fifth place. Straight after their IJC game, Ashton host Fermoy with the buoyant north Cork side hopeful that tired legs could give them the opportunity to cause an upset and copper-fasten their safety. Ashton are then in action again on Sunday, hosting Limerick in the plate. Further afield, Ireland’s World League 2 campaign comes to a close in New Delhi with games against minnows Oman today and struggling China tomorrow; two wins should guarantee safe passage to round three. SATURDAY: Men: Irish Junior Cup quarter-finals: Monkstown v Glenanne, Rathdown, 1.15pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Annadale, Serpentine Avenue, 2.15pm; YMCA v Cookstown, Milltown, 2.15pm; Cork C of I v Banbridge, Garryduff, 3pm. Munster Div 1: Bandon v Cork Harlequins, Bandon Grammar, 3pm. Women: Electric Ireland Irish Junior Cup quarter-finals: Ashton v Railway Union, Ashton, 1pm; Lisnagarvey v UCD, Comber Road, 1pm; Lurgan v Pembroke Wanderers, Lurgan, 2.30pm; Hermes v Old Alex, St Andrew’s, 3pm. Munster Div 1: Cork C of I v Catholic Institute, Garryduff, 1pm; UL v Cork Harlequins, UL, 1pm; Limerick v Bandon, Villiers, 2pm; Ashton v Fermoy, Ashton, 3pm. SUNDAY: Men: Munster Div 1: Cork C of I v UCC, Garryduff, 11.30am. Women: Munster Senior Plate semi-finals: Bandon v UL, Bandon Grammar, 1pm; Ashton v Limerick, Ashton, 2pm.