Quins turn the screw

Cork Harlequins put themselves in pole position to retain their Munster men’s title and sent UCC into the Irish Hockey League wildcard playoffs for the first time with a 3-0 victory over Bandon at a drenched Farmer’s Cross tonight. Following a scoreless first half in which Quins had plenty of possession but found Ian Hosford in unforgiving mood, the Bandon goalkeeper repelling all of Dan Hobbs’ drag-flicks. Fred McElroy spurned Bandon’s best chance from a breakaway but Quins eventually made a breakthrough after half-time when Rob Hobbs and David Eakins went down the right. The latter rode three tackles and slid the ball under Hosford for David Egner to tap in at the back post.

The second goal was somewhat similar, David Lombard doing the donkey work to get to the baseline before finding Egner, who controlled before flicking high to the net. And Eakins put the result beyond doubt with a drag-flick to the bottom right corner, meaning a late yellow card for David Lombard for dissent mattered little. The pressure is now firmly on Cork Church of Ireland, who have their final game against UCC on April 28 at the Mardyke. The blues must win against the students to tie Quins at the top and force a title playoff. The pressure is off College for that game, as Bandon’s loss tonight guarantees them third place and a place in the IHL wildcards. But further difficulties could lie ahead for them as they await a decision from the IHA regarding the date of that competition. Should YMCA seal a place in the IHL semis next weekend, the triangular tournament – which also includes Ulster’s Instonians – is set to be moved to May 18-20 at Lisnagarvey from its current slot alongside the IHL finals weekend on May 6-8. That would be problematic for the Cork side, coming right in the middle of UCC’s exam season. Men’s Div 1: Cork Harlequins 3 (David Egner 2, David Eakins) Bandon 0. Fixture: UCC v Cork Church of Ireland, Saturday April 28, Mardyke, 1pm.