THE Irish women's hockey squad to play England in the centenary matches at UCD on March 9th and 10th was announced yesterday. There is one new cap, Carols Devine of Railway Union.
The squad is A Vance, T Brown; L Brown, C Craig, S Kelleher, M Logue, J Stewart, T Stronge, J Turner (capt), A Thompson, C McMahon, C Samways, J Burke, R Kohler, K Humphreys, C Devine.
Clontarf won their first Leinster league match of the season on Saturday, defeating Genesis 1-0 at Loughlinstown. Following a short corner in the fourth minute, Tracey Skoyles scored from the third rebound off the goalkeeper's pads.
Skoyles's goal was Clontarf's fourth of the season but more importantly it provides them with three vital points after 14 matches without a win.
The relief in the Clontarf camp was palpable when the final whistle blew. "It was make or break for us today, we expected that. What this win gives us is a lifeline, a fighting chance to avoid relegation," said coach John McInerney.
Trinity look set to take the place of the relegated senior A team. Trinity beat Railway Union's second team 2-1 on Saturday, recording their 10th victory of the season. They have only lost twice.
UCD, though, are keeping up the pressure on Trinity's five-point lead. They recorded a comprehensive 3-0 against Pembroke 11.
Contrary to what was stated last Friday, Loreto and Muckross did not play due to Irish coaching. The Loreto/Hermes match was played earlier in the week, ending in a 1-1 draw, thereby almost certainly neutralising a potential late drive by either against Muckross's title march.
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