Corinthians get senior silverware

MEN'S HOCKEY: Apart from the 1938-39 side achieving a Leinster League and Cup double, Corinthians had not carried off a senior prize - until yesterday when they won the Stephen Doyle (Top Four) Trophy. In the final at Grange Road, they gained a handsome 4-0 victory over Monkstown.

A virile, all-Australian goal in the second minute rocketed Corinthians on their way as Dan Williams combined with Aaron Clauson to find an opening for the captain, James Benson, to set the net quivering.

There were signs Monkstown might respond through Cliff Bailey, but the Corinthians back four remained resolute and a quick thrust at the other end saw Stephen Williams lash in a shot which was saved brilliantly by Gordon Clarke.

The issue was left in no doubt, however, early in the second half when Colin Stewart snapped up two goals, with Adrian Missen adding the fourth.

Harlequins, with Jason Black returning to a strong squad less afflicted by injury than C of I, surged to a 5-1 defeat of their Cork rivals in the Munster Senior League at Farmers Cross.

C of I made a lively start and went ahead through Nigel Buttimer but they were foiled of increasing the lead by the agility of Chris Daunt (under-18 international understudy to Harlequins' number one, Wesley Bateman).

David Eakins equalised from a drag flick in the 33rd minute and within 30 seconds he made it 2-1 in darting free from a long ball.

Dominating midfield in the second half through Paul Lombard, assisted notably by newcomer Colm Brady, Harlequins swept well clear with goals by John Ahern, David Lombard and Philip O'Loughlin.

CORINTHIANS: C Henderson: A Clauson, C Blennerhassett, C Campbell, B Campbell; S Williams, D Williams, J Benson (capt); A Missen, J Smyth, C Stewart. Subs: M Magnier, R Byrnes, A Sutton, W Rothwell. Coach: J Cole; manager: D Howard.

MONKSTOWN: G Clarke; C Beare (capt), R McDonagh, R Beere, M Hunt; D Jenkins, B Groves, I Stuart; C Bailey, I Allen, A Lewis. Subs: M Trounce, I Horsfield.

Umpires: JF Stepparts (Belgium), G Conn.