Pembroke out to end run

WOMEN'S HOCKEY: With the Jacqui Potter Cup semi-finals taking place on Sunday and a number of critical league matches taking place tomorrow, there is a lot at stake over the weekend for Leinster clubs. Both Hermes and Pembroke seconds also contest the semi-final stages of the Irish junior cup against Pegasus and Lurgan respectively.

That sixth on the Leinster League table Old Alexandra were able to nick a midweek league match from second-placed Pembroke keeps them in the frame for a top-three finish and a place in the All-Ireland play-offs at the end of the season.

Sarah O'Connor and Barbara Fitzgerald grabbed the goals for their home game with Katherine Little scoring for Pembroke in a weather-interrupted match.

In fact the game was stopped in the second half after a particularly nasty bout of hailstones, a factor that didn't interrupt the tempo of Old Alexandra as they came out afterwards and hit the winner just minutes from the end.

In that context, Pembroke, who have developed a small losing streak, will want to get back to winning ways when they make the short journey from Serpentine Avenue around to Park Avenue to face Railway Union in the league.

Old Alexandra, in perhaps the top game of tomorrow's fixtures, entertain third-placed Loreto at home. Loreto, who lost four matches before Christmas, remain well placed for a top-three finish but this match could really solidify their standing.

Whoever wins will certainly stay in the fame while the loser will drop three points behind and will have to chase to get back into the leading pack of three teams.

Again all the sides will be without their international players. Hermes, who play UCD in the Jacqui Potter Cup semi-final at Belfield on Sunday, have four players on the international squad while Loreto have three and Old Alexandra one.

Ciara O'Brien will also be unavailable for Railway's meeting with Pembroke tomorrow and again on Sunday when they play the second of their double header weekend with Old Alexandra in Sandymount, the winner there earning a place in the final against UCD or Hermes.

FIXTURES

Saturday: Irish Junior Cup - Semi-finals: Hermes II v Pegasus II, Booterstown, 12.30; Pembroke Wanderers II v Lurgan, Serpentine Avenue, 1.0. Leinster Senior League: Division One - Old Alexandra v Loreto, Milltown 1.30; Clontarf v Three Rock Ladies, Clontarf 2.00; Railway v Pembroke, Park Avenue 3.30. Munster Senior League: Division One - UL v Church of Ireland, Limerick 2.30. Sunday: Jacqui Potter Cup semi final: UCD v Hermes, Belfield 1.15; Railway v Old Alexandra, Park Avenue 4.00.