In women’s Munster Division 1 Harlequins had to work hard for a 3-0 win over Ashton.
Harlequins began with intent, earning an early penalty corner that was well dealt with by the Ashton goalkeeper, Siún Dolan. Although Harlequins enjoyed the greater share of possession in the opening exchanges, Ashton remained a threat on the counter-attack, and a series of saves from Joy O’Kelly ensured the score remained goalless at the end of the first quarter.
The pattern persisted in the second period. Harlequins continued to create openings and won several penalty corners, but were repeatedly frustrated by disciplined Ashton defending, including two goal-line clearances from Elizabeth Tuohy. Michelle Barry and Maya Dullea both went close to breaking the deadlock, while Ashton were denied at the other end when Kate Harvey’s penalty stroke was saved by in form Joy O’Kelly late in the half.
Ashton emerged strongly after the break, pressing with greater intensity, but it was Harlequins who struck midway through the third quarter as McCarthy and Barry combined to produce the game’s opening goal. The tempo lifted thereafter, with both sides seeking to assert control.
The final quarter was played at a high tempo. McCarthy again proved influential, setting up Maya Dullea to double Harlequins’ advantage before adding a third goal herself with a composed finish, effectively sealing the outcome. The win keeps Harlequins in second in the table behind leaders UCC.
In the first round of the men’s Munster Senior Cup there were straightforward wins for Harlequins and C of I. Harlequins had a convincing 5-0 win away to Bandon while C of I overcame Midleton 6-0.
Results
Men’s Munster Senior Cup R1: Bandon 0 Harlequins 5; Midleton 0 C of I 6.
Women’s Munster Division 1: Ashton 0 Harlequins 3.