Limerick unlikely to return with a prized scalp

WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Bandon, Cork Harlequins and the University of Limerick will fly the flag for Munster in the third round of the Sharwood's Irish Senior Cup this weekend, with the other 13 of the 16 teams left in the competition hailing from Leinster or Ulster.

Limerick face the most difficult task of the three having been drawn away to cup holders Ballymoney where they will be without all but three of the team that helped them to a second place finish in the league last season.

Apart from Irish international Eimear Cregan and Munster players Emily Fitzgibbon and Ciara Ronan, Limerick will field a hugely inexperienced team, a fact that doesn't give coach Catherine Bird much hope of an upset.

Bandon, who have already beaten Ards and Trinity in the cup, have a home tie against Ballymena, led by former Olympian Jackie McWilliams, who returns to Cork after beating Church of Ireland there in the second round.

Harlequins, winners of the cup two seasons ago, are also at home - they play Knock at Farmers Cross.

IRISH SENIOR CUP - Third round: Portadown v Old Alexandra, Edenvilla, 2.30; Ballymoney v Univ of Limerick, Joey Dunlop Centre, 2.30; Cork Harlequins v Knock, Farmers Cross, 1.30; Belfast Harlequins v Pegasus, Deramore, 2.30; Loreto v Victorians, Beaufort , 2.30; Hermes v Randalstown, Belfield, 3.0; Bandon v Ballymena, Bandon Grammar School, 12.30; UCD v Coleraine, Belfield, 1.0.

LEINSTER LEAGUE - Saturday - Division One: Pembroke Wanderers v Glenanne, Ballsbridge, 2.0. Division Two: Aer Lingus v Our Ladys, ALSAA, 11.0; Loreto II v Muckross, Beaufort, 12.45; Pembroke Wanderers II v Avoca I, Ballsbridge, 3.30; Hermes II v Three Rock, Belfield, 5.0. Sunday - Division One: Genesis v Hermes, Belfield, 11.30; Loreto v Railway Union, Beaufort, 1.30. Division Two: Clontarf v Old Alexandra II, Dardistown, 12.0.