All Ireland hockey league weekend previews… Ulster Elks look to build on big comeback… Ards aim for upset in fight to avoid relegation while Pegasus need to get the job done without shootout

Zahra Lowry's late equaliser completed Elks comeback against Loreto last time out

DESPITE entering the final few rounds of fixtures before the winter break, there are no signs of the intensity dipping as the EY Hockey League sides jostle for position.

In the Women’s EY Hockey League, the penultimate round of 2024 on Saturday sees Railway Union and Catholic Institute go head-to head as both continue their pursuit of Loreto. UCC make the long journey north to face Ulster Elks. Ards face second place Old Alex as they try to cause an upset that could lift them out of the relegation zone. Pegasus and Pembroke face off to see who will finish the weekend in the EY Champions Trophy places. And Loreto make the short trip to perennial rivals UCD.

Women’s EY Hockey League (Saturday, November 30)

PEGASUS v PEMBROKE WANDERERS

Queen’s University (12.45pm)

SEVENTH placed Pegasus take on sixth placed Pembroke Wanderers in what could be one of the most closely fought ties of the weekend. Pegasus have continued to make themselves awkward to beat, recording two wins and six draws from their 10 games this season. If this game does go to another shoot-out, Pembroke will fancy their chances having won two of their three shoot-outs to date, while Pegasus have won just one from six.

Umpires: Julie Fischer, Patrick Wright.

UCD v LORETO

Belfield Water (1.00PM)

IT has been a rather unusual period for league leaders Loreto who, despite remaining unbeaten, have drawn four of their last five games, which has meant they have had to watch their commanding lead at the top wear away. UCD have steadily improved since their slower than normal start to league proceedings and could well fancy themselves to cause an upset on home soil.

Umpires: Julie Beamish, Eimear Linehan.

ULSTER ELKS v UCC

Ulster University (1.00pm)

UCC have a tricky task on their hands this weekend as they make the long journey from Cork to Belfast to take on fifth place Ulster Elks at Jordanstown. Elks will be flying high after their tremendous comeback against Loreto which saw them come away with a draw and the bonus point from the shoot-out. UCC are still searching for their first win in the EY Hockey League but have proved themselves to be a formidable opponent, running top sides Old Alex and Railway Union close in recent weeks.

Umpires: Zoe Hall, Amy Jones.

RAILWAY UNION v CATHOLIC INSTITUTE

Park Avenue (1.30pm)

NOW on a four-game unbeaten run, Railway Union have truly found their rhythm again, retaking their place in the title challenge conversation. They face fellow challengers Catholic Institute who are enjoying a similar run of success but have had to endure a week without any competitive action due to Storm Bert so will be hoping they can pick up where they left off a fortnight ago. This matchup could have a massive influence on who runs Loreto the closest, and who will gain the automatic place in the EY Champions Trophy semi-finals so keep an eye on this one!

Umpires: Liz Clifford, Fiona Davitt.

ARDS v OLD ALEXANDRA

Londonderry Park (2.30pm)

OLD Alex will hope to maintain second place this weekend as they face Ards in Londonderry Park. They have had a tricky run of things over the last number of weeks, having had to fight back from two goals down to draw with UCD, suffering a loss to Catholic Institute, and weather a late storm from UCC to eventually see out a win in The Mardyke. With Ards up next, they could well be looking at another tricky fixture, with the hosts holding teams to 1-1 draws in both of their last two games.

Umpires: Sarah Craig, Robert Johnston.

STANDINGS