Harlequins Ladies Hockey Match Report

Church of Ireland 2 - Harlequins 4

Munster Senior Cup Final - Garryduff

Saturday 12th March 2005

Scorers: Karen Bateman 2, Jane Chapple, Emer Dillon

Cork Harlequins started the better of the two teams going for their 5th title in a row. They opened the score with a superb reverse stick shot by Karen Bateman at the edge of the CI circle. CI responded by pressurising Harlequins defence with keeper Orla McCarthy doing well to prevent them scoring. Harlequins made the best of their chances in the first half, with a strong attack down the Harlequins right flank resulted in Jane Chapple slotting in a reverse shot around CI keeper. Again, Harlequins were put under high pressure from CI and the half time score of 2-0 flattered the Harlequins side.

Harlequins took control in the second half of the game with Emer Dillon and Marissa Ahern playing very well wide of midfield. Their efforts were rewarded when Karen Bateman scored from wide right of the circle. CI’s best chances came from short corners and Karen Hales was clinical in her direct shot to put them on the score sheet. Harlequins however continued to dominate field play and were very unlucky not to score when Karen Bateman picked out Marissa Ahern just in front of the goal, CI keeper pulling off the save of the match. Julia O’Halloran also sent a shot just over the CI goal. Harlequins did manage to score another goal when an attack down the right eventually found Emer Dillon on the penalty spot who wasted no time slotting it in. CI fought hard in the last five minutes to win a penalty corner which after breaking down was eventually slotted in on the right post.

The final score was 4-2 to Harlequins, a well contested match where Harlequins won their first silver ware of 2005 by taking their chances from open play.