Sport in Brief – Miller hat trick stuns England | Stephen Barry, Fionnuala Carr, Brian Barry and Brendan Wilson

Rugby: In a disappointing week for the UCC ladies rugby team who were defeated by UL, 17-5, PE student Alison Miller played a huge part in what must be one of the major shocks in recent Irish sporting history. Miller scored three first half tries for Ireland as they blitzed England in the Women’s 6 Nations. England, with 6 out of the last 7 Grand Slams and 17 consecutive wins over Ireland, had no answer and collapsed to a 25-nil defeat only a week after hammering Scotland 76-nil. Meanwhile Willie Ryan played in the Ireland Club XV’s win over England Counties and Brian Scott and Darren Sweetnam were both selected for Ireland’s U20 6 Nations squad. SBSoccer: UCC suffered their second successive Munster Senior League loss as they went down 2-1 to College Corinthians. Simon Holland put the students into a first half lead; however Corinthians were able to turn the game around to post three points which put them in a strong position to take on Avondale for their league crown. SBCamogie: On Monday January 28th, UCC travelled to Limerick to take on UL in what was a do or die game for the Cork college. UL played with a strong wind in the first half and Tipperary’s Cáit Devane got UL off to a good start pointing four frees. The UCC team battled gamely with points from Katrina Mackey and Cliona MacSweeney and went into the half time break 9-2 down.  Despite playing with the wind, UCC could not claw back the deficit and the game finished 12-6 in favour of the Limerick college. UCC will now play UUJ in the Ashbourne Shield Final. FCDarts: UCC Darts Club travelled to Carlow last weekend to compete in the Darts Intervarsities. The doubles was held the first night. With over 70 entrants, UCC pair Shane Carroll and Brian Barry reached the final, only to be thwarted 3-1 in an intriguing encounter. The following morning was the main event; the singles. With over 100 players in a highly competitive event, UCC were well represented. Jamie O'Driscoll and Steven Forde reached the last 32 only to be defeated while Brendan Wilson, Kyros Stav and fresher, John Long, reached the last 16. Club captain Colm Carroll was defeated in the quarter final. With 21 travelling, this was a record high for the Darts Club, who train every Monday evening in The New Bar from 7pm onwards. All newcomers are welcome and the club caters for all standards. BBKarate: UCC Karate club ventured to UL last Saturday for the annual Karate intervarsities. The tournament was held over one day and was of a very high standard. Seven competitors represented UCC. In the men’s single kata, Danny O’Regan, Robert Troy and Diarmuid Hayes all performed brilliantly with Diarmuid placing third and Robert second. Lauren Smith brought home a silver medal in senior women’s kumite as did Ian Herbert in junior men’s kumite. Overall the competition was a success for UCC and was a great experience for all. As always, all newcomers are welcome and we train every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm in Hall 1 in the Mardyke. BWGaelic Football: Sligo IT made up for their Sigerson disappointment with a 1-10 to 2-5 victory over UCC in the Fresher championship. UCC didn’t make the most of a strong breeze as they led by two at the break, 1-3 to 1-1. An early second half goal, helped the Leesiders hold out, but Alan Cadogan was dismissed and Sligo were able to outpoint UCC in the final quarter. SB