C of I gunning for student scalp

It’s something of a trip into the unknown for both UCD and Cork C of I this weekend as they clash in the tie of the first round of the ESB Women’s Irish Senior Cup at Belfield. Both sides have lost a number of their key players over the summer; of the students, Roisin Flinn headed for Old Alex while Holly Jenkinson opted for Railway Union, while C of I have effectively had to rebuild the spine of their team following the loss of Deirdre Casey, Michaela Mihailou, Jenny Kenefick and Suzy Herbert to foreign pastures. UCD are the defending champions – memorably hammering a three-in-a-row-chasing Pegasus 4-1 in the decider last term for their first title in 58 years – but a scrappy 1-0 win over Trinity has been the highlight of their season so far. Nonetheless, the retention of Irish international hitwoman Lisa Jacob is a huge boon for coach Mary Logue.

C of I have won two from two in Munster, but weren’t truly tested by either UL and Waterford, so it is hard to know how keenly they have felt the player lossesas they attempt to upset UCD’s applecart. On the plus side, they hit seven goals in those two games – and should have had more – while Suzanne O’Connor has settled in very quickly since her arrival from Old Alex. Elsewhere, Belfast Harlequins make the journey south to take on their Cork namesakes at Harlequin Park, where Eddie Gash’s new-look side will be looking to pick up where they left off a fortnight ago when they put eight past Waterford. The hosts will also want to erase the memory of last year, where they suffered a 6-3 defeat and round one exit at the hands of Ballymoney. With Eimear Cregan and Cliodhna Sargent due back following their international rest period, the Cork side will be confident of earning a place in round two. Elsewhere, Last year’s Leinster league champions Railway Union will be heading north to play Victorians, while Corinthian host last year’s runners-up Pegasus. Trinity go in search of a major upset as they take on Hermes at St Andrew’s. League action is the focus of the Munster men’s teams, with UCC’s trip to Quins B the pick of the ties due to the interest in how a revamped College side will fare on their competitive debut under new coach Neil Welch. While the students can call on the likes of Andrew Gray, last season’s Munster U21 skipper Roger Gray and David Mills, they are now without Spaniard Albert Valls, who looks set for a baptism of fire as he makes his competitive debut for Catholic Institute against champions Cork C of I. Bandon’s visit to C of I B is an important one for both sides; the westerners will be looking to get a 5-0 loss to Quins out of their system, while the Garryduff second string will be keen to prove a series of departures and retirements won’t put their status as Munster’s third-best side under threat.

In the women’s league, Waterford will be looking forward to welcoming Bandon to the south east, having endured some tough times on their travels to Quins and C of I in the opening weeks. Elsewhere, Ashton’s visit to UL already has the look of a relegation six-pointer about it, as both have been on the end of some heavy defeats already this term. All fixtures Saturday ESB Women’s Irish Senior Cup Rd 1: UCD vs Cork C of I (Belfield, 1pm); Cork Harlequins vs Belfast Harlequins (Farmers Cross, 12.30pm); Victorians vs Railway Union (UUJ, 2.30pm); Corinthian vs Pegasus (Whitechurch, 2pm) Hermes vs Trinity (St. Andrews, 1.15pm). Men’s Div 1: Cork C of I B vs Bandon (Garryduff, 2pm); Catholic Institute vs Cork C of I (Rosbrien, 2.30pm); Cork Harlequins B vs UCC (Farmer’s Cross, 3pm). Women’s Div 1: Waterford vs Bandon (Newtown School, 1pm); UL vs Ashton (UL, 1.30pm.