Contest for two semi-final places goes down to wire

HOCKEY:WHILE THEY might still need to take something from their games tomorrow to ensure top spot in their respective pools, Pegasus and UCD have already qualified for the semi-finals of the Irish Hockey League.

Six other teams, though, will battle it out for the two remaining semi-final slots, with Hermes, Loreto and Catholic Institute the contenders in Pool A and Railway Union, Armagh and Ballymoney still battling in Pool B.

Draws for Hermes and Railway would be enough to put both teams through, with holders Railway looking particularly well-placed as opponents tomorrow at Park Avenue, Ards, have lost three of their four pool games so far. Armagh and Ballymoney need bonus wins and a Railway defeat if they are to have any hope of advancing.

Meanwhile, Loreto, third in pool A, must beat Hermes at Belfield to progress, but if they were to do so by a two-goal margin they could still be caught by Catholic Institute if the Munster League leaders beat UCC and pick up a bonus point.

Irish Hockey League – Tomorrow – Pool A: UCC v Catholic Institute, The Mardyke, 2.45; Hermes v Loreto, Belfield, 2.45; Pegasus v Belfast Harlequins, Queens, 2.45. Pool B: Armagh v UCD, Armagh, 12.45; Cork Harlequins v Ballymoney, Harlequin Park, 12.45; Railway Union Ards, Park Avenue, 12.45. Irish Junior Cup – Semi-finals – Sunday: UCD v Railway Union, Belfield, 4.0; Trinity v Lisnagarvey, Santry, 3.0.

Leinster League – Division One – Tomorrow: Corinthian v Trinity, Whitechurch, 12.0; Pembroke Wanderers v Old Alexandra, Serpentine Avenue, 12.30; Glenanne v Bray, Glenanne Park, 2.45. Sunday: UCD v Corinthian, Belfield, TBC.