Institute face test of mettle

Catholic Institute face the first major test of their title credentials when they come calling to Farmer’s Cross to take on Munster champions Cork Harlequins tomorrow (3.15pm). Ger O’Carroll’s side sit proudly at the top of the table, have a 100% record in all competitions this far and have been scoring goals for fun – they’ve hit 38 in six leagues games, for the concession of just three. The return of Elaine Bromell from Bray, and the growing influence exerted by young stars such as Katie Campbell, Naomi Carroll and Rebecca Barry, has helped the Limerick outfit surge to the top of the table. But tomorrow, for the first time this season, they play one of the three sides who finished above them last term for the first time. Harlequin Park is a renowned graveyard for ambitions, and while Institute will want to show they can mix it with the best, Quins will also be keen to give a reminder of their dominance – particularly influential defender Sinead McCarthy, who has a point to prove to the Irish national coaches after missing out on a place in the 2010 training squad.

UCC’s encounter with Cork C of I at Garryduff is another clash which could have a big say in the respective sides’ title ambitions. The students’ challenge faltered last term on the back of two defeats to Phil Oakley’s side, but College have a psychological advantage, having ousted C of I from the Munster Senior Cup on penalty strokes last weekend. However, their cause will not be helped by the unavailability of goalkeeper Karen Olden, while defender Orla Crowley and forward Vicky O’Sullivan miss out with broken hands. C of I have failed to fire on all cylinders thus far, but Suzanne O’Connor and Sinead Connery have hit form in recent weeks, and the return of Jenifer Hales gives them a strong spine. UL have had a torrid season so far, but have a new coach in Spaniard Albert Valls and will be targeting their visit to Ashton as an opportunity to pick up their first points (and league goals) of the season. However, the Blackrock outfit — and Cliodhna Murphy in particular — are having a good season after a slow start, and know a win here would consolidate their current position as ‘best of the rest’. In the men’s league, the top three will all expect to pick up maximum points in their final pre-Christmas games. UCC head to Garryduff tonight to take on C of I, knowing they cannot afford to give the champions the same room they allowed Bandon last week. College were woeful at the back and had difficulty dealing with the pace of Ali Smith; the likes of Nick Burns will be looking to do some similar damage here. C of I have rearguard problems of their own however, as shown in last weekend’s bizarre 7-4 win over Quins, and College will look to their own pacemen in Roger Gray and David Mills to take advantage. Institute head to Quins in high spirits following their Peard Cup semi-final win over C of I B, but can expect a backlash from Stephen Dale’s side, who have lost two on the bounce. Bandon are arguably the division’s form team right now – they’ve hit 13 in their last two outings – and will hope to continue that run against a Quins B side still finding their feet under new boss Richie O’Dell.