Busy weekend as IHL semi-final spots and Leinster title up for grabs

With the line-up for the Irish Hockey League semi-finals to be decided tomorrow and, possibly, the destination of the Leinster first division title on Sunday, it'll be an eventful weekend in club hockey, UCD with their work cut out to retain both titles.

Pegasus and Hermes have already secured their places in the last four of the IHL so tomorrow’s pool A games are dead rubbers, but Loreto, UCD and Ards will battle it out in pool B for a top two finish. Loreto and Ards meet in Dublin, the Ulster league leaders in need of a win to reach the semi-finals, while UCD, a point behind Loreto and one ahead of Ards, are away to Irish Senior Cup finalists Ulster Elks.

Docked points in both the IHL and Leinster League for fielding ineligible players could yet prove costly to UCD, although while their IHL fate is still in their hands, they need a favour from Loreto on Sunday when they play leaders Hermes if they are to have any hope of holding on to their crown.

A win for Hermes would seal the title, but a draw could see them topped by UCD on goal difference if the students beat Railway Union. For Railway to prevail, they need Hermes to slip up, and they must win their last two games UCD on Sunday and Glenanne next Wednesday night (a re-fix of Monday's abandoned game).

Revamped IHL

Pembroke Wanderers and Loreto, in fourth and fifth respectively and separated by a point, might not be title contenders, but they have automatic qualification for next season’s revamped IHL to contest – a win over Old Alexandra would be enough to secure Pembroke a top four finish.

Greenfields have already secured their IHL spot for next season after their 3-1 win over NUIG midweek saw them retain their Connacht title, but the Ulster and Munster campaigns still have a way to go. Ards remain in pole position in Ulster, while UCC's win over Catholic Institute on Tuesday leaves the title race between the students and reigning champions Cork Harlequins.