UCD face injury concern over key striker Anna O’Flanagan ahead of league decider

UCD face a major doubt over the fitness of key striker Anna O’Flanagan as they bid to retain the women’s Irish Hockey League title this weekend at Grange Road.

The Irish international sustained an ankle injury in the Netherlands last Monday while in European club action. If absent, Jonathan Harte’s side will be missing a potent attacking force.

They would probably be the tournament favourites, especially in light of their sixth place in Europe and their quintet of internationals from the Irish panel. But the fatigue of three major tournaments within a month could take its toll with Pegasus looking to take advantage.

They are first on court at 10.30am in their semi-final before an enticing Dublin derby between Loreto and Hermes.

The latter were left stunned by Ulster Elks in the Irish Senior Cup final a fortnight ago, ending their hopes of an unprecedented quadruple. They do have belief from winning both the Leinster league and Jacqui Potter Cup but, when both sides had their internationals available, did lose 3-0 to Loreto.

The winners of the semi-finals will meet at the same venue on Sunday at 1.30pm.

Men’s competition

Meanwhile, in the men’s competition, Banbridge are two wins away from a perfect season as they look to add the Irish Hockey League title to the Irish Senior Cup they won a fortnight ago as well an Ulster treble.

They have yet to lose in any competition this season and they will be confident of reaching Sunday’s final of the IHL as they meet Pembroke, a side they beat 4-0 in the Senior Cup, in tomorrow’s semi-final at 3pm.

Their opposition will hope that goalkeeper Mark Ingram will be back in the mix after being stretchered off the last time the two clubs met with a head injury.

Reigning champions

The other semi-final pits reigning champions Monkstown against Three Rock Rovers in a repeat of last year’s battle at the same stage.

Town shaded that one in extra time and will be buoyed by the return of Swiss star Fabian Wullschleger after international duty at the indoor World Cup and the World League.

It looks set to be the final season of the IHL in this current format as next year’s expanded version of the event took a big step closer to being realised this week. Ulster clubs Lisnagarvey, Banbridge, Annadale and Cookstown have all accepted invitations to the expanded competition.

Women’s Irish Hockey League (all at Grange Road) Semi-finals (Sat): Pegasus vs UCD,10.30am; Loreto vs Hermes, 12.30pm Final (Sun): 1.30pm Men’s Irish Hockey League (all at Grange Road) Semi-finals (Sat): Banbridge vsPembroke, 3pm; Monkstown vs Three Rock Rovers, 5pm Final (Sun): 4pm  Wildcard play-offs Today: Railway Union vs Lisnagarvey, 7.30pm Saturday: Instonians vs UCC, 1.15pm Sunday: UCC vs Railway Union, 1pm