NOW in it’s final stages, the destination of the EY Hockey League silverware could be decided this weekend, with the fight for EY Champions Trophy places continuing.
In the Women’s EYHL, Loreto have an opportunity to seal the Women’s league title when they travel to The Mardyke to face UCC. Pembroke Wanderers host Ards in a relegation six-pointer in Serpentine Avenue, and anything but a win for Ards would see them relegated out of the competition.
Catholic Institute face UCD, with the hosts able to almost guarantee themselves third spot with a win, while a result for UCD would see them climb into the Play-Off places.
In the Women’s EYHL2, the final weekend of the pool stage sees Cork Harlequins and Muckross play out their final game in Pool A, while Queen’s University travel to Ashton and Corinthian host Lurgan as both Queen’s and Corinthian make a final push for the top spot in Pool B.
Saturday, April 5
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Women
Catholic Institute vs UCD
12:45 | Rosbrien
A penultimate league outing for both these sides as Catholic Institute host UCD on Saturday. The hosts remain unbeaten on home soil and will hope to add another three points to their tally to help solidify third spot and a potentially crucial home draw in the EY Champions Trophy Play-Offs. UCD meanwhile are in seventh, having enjoyed a fine run of form that has seen them exit the relegation conversation and establish themselves as a potential play-off contender. They sit a point off Pegasus with a more favourable goal difference so leaving Rosbrien with even a point will help them with their ambitions.
Umpires: Liz Clifford, Eimear Linehan.
UCC vs Loreto
13:00 | The Mardyke
Having had their celebrations delayed by Railway Union a fortnight ago, Loreto have another chance to secure their third success league title when they travel to Munster to face UCC. While UCC’s fate has now been sealed, the Cork college side will no doubt relish the opportunity to again spoil Loreto’s party.
Umpires: Ellie Duffy, Ian Strange
Pembroke Wanderers vs Ards
14:30 | Serpentine Avenue
A true six-pointer sees Pembroke Wanderers host Ards in a relegation battle. Pembroke currently sit in eight, six-points clear of Ards, making it a must win tie for the visitors. Should Ards get a result it sets up a crucial battle in the final round to decide who will stay in the topflight, with Pembroke set to travel to Ulster Elks, and Ards away to UCC.
Umpires: Zoe Hall, Aaron Saunders
EY Hockey League Division 2 – Women
Pool A
Cork Harlequins vs Muckross
12:45 | Harlequin Park
With the Pool standings confirmed it’s all about positive performances, particularly for Muckross as they prepare for their Play-Off match just a week later. Last time these sides met in Dublin, Muckross came away as 3-1 victors, but the trip to Cork is a challenging one, and Harlequins will certainly be keen to end their campaign on a high, particularly in their own backyard.
Umpires: Stuart Egner, Martin Hughes.
Pool B
Ashton vs Queen’s University
12:30 | Ashton
Queen’s make the long trip to Cork for their final pool game as they look to shore up their place at the top of Pool B. A win over Ashton would almost definitely do that, given their +7 goal difference over Corinthian in second unless Corinthian can put up an almighty scoreline against Lurgan. For Ashton, a win over promotion hopefuls Queen’s would be a huge cherry on top of a positive first ever campaign in the EYHL2.
Umpires: Jim Butler, Graham Hohn.
Corinthian vs Lurgan
13:15 | St. Columba’s College
While it is unlikely they will overtake Queen’s, it is still paramount that Corinthian put in a strong performance to close out this phase of the competition as they go in search of immediate promotion back to the EYHL. Bug Lurgan will want to do exactly the same in order to build momentum going into next week’s play-off round where they will face Monkstown.
Umpires: Gillian Garrett, Simon McAllister
