ENGLAND play Ireland twice this weekend to commemorate and celebrate the first women's hockey international which was played this month 100 years ago in Milltown, Co Dublin. On that occasion Ireland beat England 4-0 but results have not been so satisfactory since. Out of 107 matches played against England, Ireland have only won 13 times the last victory was six years ago.
Ireland have introduced only one uncapped player to the squad, Carol Devine of Railway Union. Mary Logue is by far the most experienced Irish player, she is set to record her 85th and 86th caps for Ireland.
However, it is the Ulster teams which dominate the squad of 16. Pegasus have five players while five other places are held by players from Ards and Portadown. The Ulster strength is capped off by the fact that Janette Turner of Pegasus is captain while Julie Stewart (Ards) is vice captain.
England have taken a different approach to selection. They have seven uncapped players in their squad. However they have balanced youth with experience, four of the eight capped players have 30 games to their credit. It appears that England are giving some of their youngsters an outing to blood them for more competitive events.
The final of the Leinster Schools Senior Cup is on today at Three Rock Rovers, Loreto, Bray meet High School. Bray seem to be destined to win the cup as they beat Loreto, Dalkey, the holders, in the quarter finals and Wesley College, the league winners this season, in the semi finals.
High School won the league on three successive occasions from 1991 to 93. Interestingly, neither of the teams have players on the under 18 Irish squad for the home internationals on March 30th and 31st.
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