Railway likely to test Three Rock's defence

WOMEN'S HOCKEY:THE FORMGUIDE suggests there shouldn't be too many changes in the top half of the Leinster first division this weekend with the chief title contenders all up against teams from the bottom four.

Having taken just a point from their opening six games, Three Rock face the formidable task of meeting Railway Union at Park Avenue, but while they’ve so far drawn a blank in the scoring department, they boast an impressive defensive record that should give them hope of avoiding a return to the second division.

Having taken Bray’s place in Division One at short notice back in September, Three Rock have lost four of their games by a single goal and drawn 0-0 with Glenanne, only Hermes managing to score more than once against them, in last month’s 3-0 win at Grange Road.

As the division’s top scorers, though, Railway are likely to test Three Rock’s defensive strength.

After last week’s Irish Hockey League defeat to Hermes, leaders UCD will look to get back to winning ways at home to Glenanne, while Old Alexandra, two points behind, will expect to keep the pressure on by beating second-from-bottom Corinthian at Milltown.

Loreto host Pembroke Wanderers at Beaufort, the visitors with just one win from their six games so far, while Hermes meet Trinity on Sunday.

FIXTURES– Leinster League – Division One – Tomorrow: UCD v Glenanne, Belfield, 11.15am; Loreto v Pembroke Wanderers, Beaufort, 2.30pm; Railway Union v Three Rock, Park Avenue, 3.15pm; Old Alexandra v Corinthian, Milltown, 3.15pm. Sunday: Hermes v Trinity, St Andrew's, 1.30pm.

Irish Junior Cup – First round – Tomorrow: Old Alexandra v Catholic Institute, Milltown, 1.30pm; Ashton v Trinity, Ashton School, 2.30pm; Loreto v Portadown, Beaufort, 12.45pm; Lisnagarvey v Pembroke Wanderers, Hillsborough, 2.30pm; Queen’s v Hermes, Queen’s, 1pm; Genesis v Dromore, Belfield, 1.30pm; Ulster Elks v Randalstown, UUJ, 2.30pm; Armagh v Portadown, Ardmore LC, 1pm; Corinthian v UCC, Whitechurch, 2.45pm; Bandon v Belfast Harlequins, Bandon Grammar School, noon; Church of Ireland v Lurgan, Garryduff, noon; Glenanne v Cork Harl, Glenanne Park, 2pm.