Do or die for C of I

Cork Church of Ireland know nothing but victory at home to Ulster kingpins Cookstown tomorrow will do to keep their hopes of reaching the Irish Hockey League semi-finals alive.

Having been humbled by Glenanne last time out, C of I’s fate is now out of their hands. While they have claimed both the Munster league and senior cup titles in recent weeks, they have flattered to deceive on the national stage thus far.

A 4-3 win over Annadale earlier in this competition is the sum total of their wins over top-class opposition thus far, and Cookstown, who are also in a win-or-bust scenario, will provide another stern physical test.

Nick Burns' goalscoring threat will be an important one for C of I against Cookstown. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Nonetheless, C of I have plenty in their arsenal capable of doing damage; the threats of John Jermyn, Andy Herbert and David Hobbs are well documented, while at the other end, Billy Lynch has evolved into a top-class keeper in Mark Ruddle’s continued absaence through injury, winning a call-up to the Irish training squad.

Elsewhere in Pool B, leaders Lisnagarvey can confirm their place in the last four if they can shock second-placed Glenanne in Tallaght. ‘Garvey have had an ordinary domestic season but have lived up to their long-standing reputation as a fearsome side in Irish competition.

Three Rock’s visit to Annadale is largely academic, with neither side able to qualify for the last four.

In Pool A, Pembroke Wanderers resume domestic duties following their EuroHockey League adventure in Rotterdam with a home tie against Corinthian.

Victory will assure the holders — who currently lead Corinthian by four points — a place in the semi-finals, but Pembroke will be on their guard having seen the reds do the double over them in the Leinster league this term.

Banbridge will be looking to keep themselves in the shake-up by winning their home tie with Monkstown, while Cork Harlequins trek to Belfast keen on ending Instonians’ faint hopes of a semi-final berth.

Jason Black made a goalscoring return for Quins against Catholic Institute last week, having been out since January with a fractured cheekbone, and he will be keen to keep the likes of William Robinson quiet.

Domestically, Bandon’s clash with Catholic Institute is all but academic bar perhaps giving Institute a chance to avoid the division’s wooden spoon. Limerick B go in search of the final part of a remarkable treble, as they clash with Belvedere at Farmer’s Cross in the McLean Cup decider, having already annexed the Barber Cup and Division 3B title.

Irish Hockey League Rd 4, Pool A: Pembroke Wanderers vs Corinthian (Serpentine Avenue, 3pm); Monkstown vs Banbridge (Rathdown, 4pm); Instonians vs Cork Harlequins (Sunday, Shawsbridge, 1pm); Pool B: Cork C of I vs Cookstown (Garryduff, 3pm); Glenanne vs Lisnagarvey (St Mark’s, 3pm); Annadale vs Three Rock (Sunday, UUJ, 2.30pm).
Men’s Div 1: Bandon vs Catholic Institute (Bandon GS, 12pm); McLean Cup final: Belvedere vs Limerick B (Sunday, Harlequin Park, 2pm).