Promising start for Ireland

Women's Hockey/ News round-up: While the Dutch team which competes in warm-weather training friendly matches in Spain in late January is a somewhat different kettle of fish to the Dutch team which turns up for competitive tournaments come summer, Ireland's 0-0 draw against the European champions in Barcelona yesterday was, nonetheless, an encouraging start to the team's build-up to August's European finals in Dublin.

Without four of its most experienced players - captain Lynsey McVicker, Jenny Burke, Linda Caulfield and Jill Orbinson - Riet Kuper's largely young and untested side (which featured 17-year-old Hannah Bowe of Armagh) managed to keep the Olympic silver medallists scoreless, with goalkeeper Angela Platt having one of her unbeatable days.

The teams meet again today, Sunday and Monday in three more friendlies, with several intensive training sessions completing the week's camp for the Irish team.

With so many players away on international duty there is a much reduced club programme this weekend. The main action takes place in the Irish Junior Cup, which has reached the quarter-final stage. Holders Pegasus II are at home to Corinthian II.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDIES (at Barcelona) - Today: Ireland v Holland, 3.30. Sunday: Ireland v Holland, 4.0. Monday: Ireland v Holland, 3.0.

IRISH JUNIOR CUP - Quarter-finals: Loreto II v Church of Ireland II, Beaufort, 12.45; Pegasus II v Corinthian II, Queen's, 2.30; Cork Harlequins II v Trinity, Farmer's Cross, 12.0; Old Alexandra II v Armagh - date not yet fixed.

LEINSTER LEAGUE - Division One - Tomorrow: Three Rock v UCD, Grange Road, 1.0. Division Two - Tomorrow: Diocesan v Skerries, Rathgar, 1.0; Glenanne v Hermes II, Tallaght, 2.0. Sunday: Pembroke Wanderers II v Diocesan, Ballsbridge, 1.30; Glenanne v Old Alexandra II, Tallaght, 2.0.

ULSTER LEAGUE - Senior One: Coleraine v Ballymena, UUC, 2.30; Omagh v Belfast Harlequins, Omagh, 2.30; Randalstown v Knock, Antrim Forum, 1.0.