Top two meet in critical game

WOMEN'S HOCKEY: WITH YET another ominous weather forecast for the weekend the hockey schedule could be at risk yet again, but for now a full programme of Leinster Division One matches is due to be played, as well as five Jacqui Potter Cup ties on Sunday.

Hermes’ game against UCD last weekend was the only Division One fixture to survive, their 4-0 defeat of the students lifting them to top of the table, a point clear of Loreto but with an extra game played. Tomorrow’s scheduled meeting between the top two is, then, critical to both sides’ title ambitions.

No less important to Railway Union is their game against UCD, the champions now nine points – including those four they were docked for a player registration error – behind Hermes, but with a game in hand.

Old Alexandra, three points clear of Railway in fourth place, can maintain their momentum if they overcome Bray at Milltown, while bottom club Corinthian could do with the points from their home tie against Pembroke Wanderers. Trinity and Glenanne are due to meet in Santry.

- The line-up for next June’s Champions Challenge in Dublin was confirmed yesterday by the International Hockey Federation, with Azerbaijan, India, Japan, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and the United States joining Ireland in the tournament.

WEEKEND FIXTURES:Tomorrow – Leinster League, Division One: Old Alexandra v Bray, Milltown, 1.15; Corinthian v Pembroke Wanderers, Whitechurch, 2.45; Railway Union v UCD, Park Avenue, 2.45; Hermes v Loreto, Beaufort, 3.0; Trinity v Glenanne, Santry, 3.0. Sunday – Jacqui Potter Cup, first round: Trinity v Our Lady's, Santry, 11.30. Second round: Hermes v Three Rock, St Andrew's, 1.0; Glenanne v Pembroke II, Glenanne Park, 1.0; UCD v Muckross, Belfield, 4.0; Loreto v Bray, Beaufort, 4.0.