Even after only two games, in which they scored 11 and conceded just one goal, Cork Harlequins are looking a secure enough bet to retain their Munster league title this season. The return of Jane Chapple to the fold along with new 'signings' Elaine Bromell (ex University of Limerick) and Sarah Canning (ex Church of Ireland) has significantly strengthened an already impressive squad, enough to suggest their rivals will be hard pushed to hold them this season.

On Saturday they beat Church of Ireland (weakened by the loss of Chapple and Canning) 5-0 with two goals from former Irish international Karen O'Brien and one each from Bromell, a current senior panellist, Marissa Aherne and Eimear Dillon. And that was without the assistance of Irish captain Rachael Kohler who is not expected to return to club action until next month.

Whether or not O'Brien will be available for international selection, in the build-up to next year's World Cup, remains to be seen. "I'd love to be involved again but I'll have to see, it's so difficult combining work with the commitment and travel required. It would be fantastic to play in the World Cup but I'll see how things work out."

The only Leinister fixture of the weekend( the Trinity v Old Alexandria game was postponed due to a family bereavement) Genesis beat Glennane 4-0 in Tallaght with Gemma Ormonde and Sinead French-Bloom sharing the goals. In Ulster Knock went top of Section One by beating Randaltown 2-0.