Harlequins Mens Hockey Match Report

Church of Ireland are tops in U-21 Tournament

by Fred Treacy - Irish Examiner (31/12/01)

Church Of Ireland 3 - Harlequins 0

Bandon 0 - Harlequins 1

Bandon 3 - Church of Ireland 4

David Kidney Perpetual Trophy

29th December 2001

Cork C of I regained the David Kidney Perpetual Trophy when they emerged undefeated from the under-21 tournament played at Bandon Grammer School on Saturday.

Fielding five current Irish under-21 internationals, C of I looked the strongest team and deserved to win the trophy they last won in 1998. They were however, given a touch match by Bandon and had to come from behind before winning 4-3.

Simon Nicholson gave C of I the lead in the 17th minute with Philip McLaughlin equalising for Bandon in the 24th minute. On the stroke of half-time David Barrett put Bandon ahead with a goal following a penalty corner.

Two minutes into the the second-half David Hobbs scored a fine individual goal for C of I and Rory Heals put them ahead again in the 40th minute.

A fine reverse stick shot by Bandon's Richard Leonard tied up the score again in the 50th minute but a John Nagle goal three minutes from time, for C of I, took them to victory.

In their other match, C of I defeated Cork Harlequins 3-0. In that match C of I lead 2-0 at half time with goals from Fred Nagle and David Hobbs. The C of I captain added a third in the second half.

There was some joy for the defending title holders Harlequins, who defeated Bandon 1-0 thanks to a John Hobbs goal two minutes from full-time.