Hermes again set a hot pace

As the Computershare Leinster League season reaches its half-way stage, defending champions Hermes, who have yet to drop a point, are once again the team to catch. Pembroke Wanderers, Loreto and UCD, with just one defeat each so far, can afford few more slip-ups if they are to maintain their challenges.

UCD meet Hermes at Belfield tomorrow, aiming to become only the second team to beat the title holders in a league fixture in the past 12 months. Pembroke beat Hermes 3-2 in the final game of last season when the title was already wrapped up.

Loreto having already fallen five points behind the leaders, who they still have to play twice, could do with a win against Old Alexandra at Milltown tomorrow. Realistically, a victory is essential for Alexandra too if they are to revive their challenge.

Pembroke play Corinthian at Serpentine Avenue, anxious to get back to winning ways after dropping five points from their last two games.

Clontarf and Hermes II, the top two in the second division, meet at Belfield tomorrow. Having won six of their seven league games Clontarf are the only realistic contenders for promotion to division one - the next four are "seconds" and cannot be promoted.

The Irish Hockey Association has turned down an invitation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to replace Germany in February's Champions Challenge in South Africa.

LEINSTER LEAGUE - Division One: Pembroke Wanderers v Corinthian, Ballsbridge, 12.30; Hermes v UCD, Belfield, 12.30; Old Alexandra v Loreto, Milltown, 1.30; Glenanne v Trinity, Tallaght, 2.30; Genesis v Railway Union, Rathdown, 12.0. Division Two: Hermes II v Clontarf, Belfield, 10.0; Old Alexandra II v Muckross, Milltown, 12.0; Loreto II v Three Rock, Beaufort, 12.0; Our Ladys v Avoca, Templeogue, 12.30; Pembroke Wanderers v Aer Lingus, Ballsbridge, 3.30.