College bid to stop Cregan

Catholic Institute can get one of the primary stumbling blocks in their quest to retain the Munster senior women’s title out of the way if they come away with maximum points from tomorrow’s visit to UCC (1pm). Institute have largely swept away all challengers this term with Eimear Cregan notching 21 goals in seven games amid a glut of heavy wins, though her winner in the Limerick side’s 2-1 defeat of College at the start of the campaign was easily the most important of them.

Only Cork Harlequins – who went down 1-0 on home turf – have gone that close to ending the champions’ 100% record. A youthful UCC outfit – nine of whom received sports scholarships from the college this week –  may have their work cut out as Insta have found form in a major way since then, despite the absence of defensive totem Elaine Bromell. Elsewhere, Quins host Ashton needing a win to stay in touch while the visitors will be eyeing revenge for a 3-2 defeat in the reverse fixture. Ashton’s season hasn’t quite lived up to the promise shown last term but a 3-0 victory over C of I last weekend got them back on track, and Caroline McCarthy and Karen Stokes will again led their charge. Quins had a ropey start too but have come good in recent weeks since coming from behind to dump College out of the Munster Senior Cup before Christmas. Cliodhna Sargent’s return has been a primary factor here as they’ve clocked up 11 goals in two games with the concession of just one, but she is likely to be international-tied this time around. Kay Gaffney has marshalled the defence well all season, however, allowing skipper Yvonne O’Byrne to get forward; she created two in the 5-0 defeat of Bandon, and will have to be carefully watched by Ashton. UL host Bandon on Sunday with both sides needing points to avoid getting sucked into a wooden spoon battle with basement side Church of Ireland, who have the weekend off. The students will be hoping to welcome back Eadaoin Moore and Elaine Breen, who missed the 6-1 loss to Quins, while Bandon – who hit the road for the third successive weekend  – will be targeting this encounter for a confidence-booster having shipped 14 goals in their last two encounters away to Quins and Institute. In the sole two men’s ties, Cork Church of Ireland will expect to defeat their second-string side without too much complications, while Cork Harlequins should maintain their 100% record at home to struggling Catholic Institute. Men’s Div 1: Cork C of I v Cork C of I B, 12pm, Garryduff; Cork Harlequins v Catholic Institute, 12pm, Farmer’s Cross. Women’s Div 1: UCC v Catholic Institute, 1pm, Mardyke; Cork Harlequins v Ashton, 3pm, Farmer’s Cross; Sunday: UL v Bandon, 1pm, UL.