Big tests for Institute and UCC

While domestic action is normally off the agenda on an U21 interpro weekend, the cancellation of the tournament during the week has allowed a couple of top-level fixtures to be arranged. The first of those was played out at Ballincollig last night, where UCC were far too strong for Belvedere in the ladies’ Examiner Cup despite being without a couple of key players, running out 6-0 winners. Aine Connery grabbed two of their goals, with Ali O’Connor, Ali O’Regan, Miriam Crowley and Miriam Crowley netting the others. Tomorrow, Cork Church of Ireland’s women will be confident making up ground on leaders Cork Harlequins as they visit Ashton. The latter have improved significantly since going down 5-0 to C of I on the opening weekend of the season, with the likes of Emma Harrington and Orla O’Donovan their shining lights. But C of I should nonetheless be too strong as they look to win their two games in hand and eradicate the six-point lead held by Quins. There’s unlikely to be any change at the top of the men’s league, as Cork C of I and Quins meet opposition they have overwhelmed already this term in the form of Catholic Institute and UCC respectively. The game marks the start of a tough few days for College, who face C of I on Thursday night, but they will be more worried about getting results against Institute and C of I B in the coming months to ensure their survival in the top tier. They will nonetheless be happy to hear Quins will be without two of their top performers, Mark Black and Dan Hobbs, due to injury, while the latter’s elder brother Rob is unavailable. Eddie Dore is also struggling to be fit, but is in the squad. Further afield, Cookstown can clinch the Ulster men’s title if they defeat absement side Raphoe at Coolnafranky, while Leinster’s top two, Glenanne and Pembroke, square off at St Mark’s.