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UCC Hockey News
UCC had a busy weekend with five games taking place.
On Saturday morning at 10:30am, the Division 2 women’s team faced the Division 1 C of I team in the Cork Examiner Cup. It was a must-win match for UCC to advance, and they came through with a deserved 2-1 victory. This sets them up for a semi-final clash against Waterford HC. Notably, this is a big achievement for the team in a Division 1 competition. The previous weekend, they also won 1-0 against Blackrock in the Division 2 Cup. Despite being the better side, UCC made it a tough game, with Blackrock defending well. This win sets them up for a cup final against Ashton and the potential for a league and cup double. UCC also played Blackrock in a league match during the week, winning 3-0. Having already secured the league title, they continue to dominate, having scored an impressive 70 goals. With just one more game to go on April 6th against Belvedere, it’s been a standout season for them.
The EY team had a double weekend. With five games left, they were hoping to secure some points and stay in the EYHL1 league. On Saturday, they faced Pegasus at home in the Mardyke. UCC got off to a strong start with Nikki Barry scoring the opening goal, but in the second half, Lucy McKee scored for Pegasus, followed by a penalty corner goal that gave them the lead. UCC fought hard but couldn’t get an equalizer, and the final score was 1-2.
On Sunday, UCC welcomed Catholic Institute for a back match. They played well throughout, with Catholic Institute looking dangerous on the break. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Catholic Institute got a lucky break and scored with five minutes left. It’s been a tough season for the team, and with three games remaining, relegation seems increasingly likely. Their next match is against Loreto, the league leaders, followed by games against Pembroke Wanderers and Ards, both teams fighting relegation. UCC travels to Pembroke next weekend for their last away game of the season, and a win would provide a much-needed boost.
The Division 3 team faced league leaders Clonmel on Sunday, a tough match expected but Clonmel were missing some key players. However, UCC played a strong game, going 2-0 up with goals from Kirsten Browne and Jill Roberts. Clonmel pulled one back, but UCC sealed the win with another goal from Giselle Keogh. With three games remaining, staying close to Clonmel in the league will be crucial. UCC’s next games are against Cork Wanderers on Wednesday at 8:00 pm, and Bandon away on Sunday at 11:00 am.
The Division 4 team played the final match of the weekend against Dungarvan on Sunday at 3:00 pm. Dungarvan, who play on a grit pitch, are often difficult to play against, but UCC’s home advantage on the astro turf made a difference. Dungarvan didn’t pose much of a threat, with UCC’s goalkeeper Maeve only called into action a couple of times. Oonagh Grimley was outstanding in the middle and scored twice, while another first-half goal secured the 3-0 victory. The team will now face Belvedere in the semi-final of the Division 4 Cup on Sunday at 10:30 am.
The men's team had no game last weekend but will wrap up their season next Saturday with their final match away to Limerick HC at Villiers. It’s been a challenging season for the team, and they’ll be hoping to finish on a positive note.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Wednesday, March 26th:
- Division 3: Cork Wanderers v UCC, 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 29th:
- EYHL1: Pembroke Wanderers v UCC, 2:30 pm (away)
- Division 2: Waterford v UCC, 12pm (away, Cork Examiner Cup Semi Final)
- Men's Team: Limerick v UCC, 2:30 pm (away)
Sunday, March 30th:
- Division 3: Bandon v UCC, 11:00 am (away)
- Division 4: Belvedere v UCC, 10:30 am (Division 4 Cup Semi-final)
Best of luck to all!