UCD begin defence

THE FIRST round of the ESB Irish Senior Cup takes centre stage tomorrow with UCD beginning the defence of the trophy they won in spectacular fashion back in April, when they beat the mighty Pegasus 4-1 at Belfield. The students face Munster opposition at the same venue tomorrow, Church of Ireland the team hoping to dethrone the cup holders.

A 3-1 defeat to Leinster champions Railway Union last weekend gave UCD a losing starting to their league campaign, but they collected their first points on Wednesday night when a Fiona Bradish goal proved enough to beat Trinity.

Trinity must pick themselves up from that defeat in time for their cup meeting with Hermes at Booterstown, while Corinthian also face formidable opponents when they host Pegasus at Whitechurch.

Railway, meanwhile, must head north for their tie against Victorians. It’s the battle of the Harlequins at Farmers Cross, with Cork hosting Belfast, the visitors having to do without their leading scorer from last season, New Zealander Keli Thornton, who is unable to travel due to coaching commitments.

Irish Senior Cup(First round): Tomorrow. UCD v Church of Ireland, Belfield, 1pm; Cork Harlequins v Belfast Harlequins, Farmers Cross, 12.30; Victorians v Railway Union, UUJ, 2.30; Corinthian v Pegasus, Whitechurch, 2.0; Hermes v Trinity, Booterstown, 1.15.

Leinster League(Division One): Tomorrow: Loreto v Bray, Beaufort, 2.30.