All Ireland hockey weekend preview… all to play for as EYHL season heads for dramatic finale with Pegasus and Portadown in Ulster derby

Pegasus and Portadown meet again at The Dub

IT’S neck and neck in the race for EY Champions Trophy play-off places and top-flight promotion across EY Hockey League Division 1 and 2 as the league reaches its closing stages.

On Saturday, in the Women’s EYHL, Loreto host Pembroke Wanderers at Loreto Beaufort as they look to go another step closer to retaining the league title, while the visitors eye a major upset that would significantly bolster their survival hopes.

Pegasus host Portadown in an Ulster derby, with Pegasus eyeing a seventh win, while Portadown look to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Catholic Institute return to action against UCD at Rosbrien, with the hosts also aiming to secure another win in their survival fight. Railway Union travel north to take on Queen’s as both sides hope to recover from league defeats last weekend.

Ulster Elks take on Old Alex in the clash of the weekend, as both sides look to complete their impressive turnarounds and push further into the EY Champions Trophy play-off places.

On Sunday, Loreto return to action with an opportunity to secure the league title, should they win on Saturday, when they take on Queen’s University at Loreto Beaufort.

In the Women’s EYHL2, Avoca can go a point clear at the top of the table should they beat an in-form Belfast Harlequins side on Saturday.

UCC and Monkstown will look to go level on points with Ards as they take on Cork Harlequins and Lisnagarvey, respectively. Trinity Ladies will hope to get their first win of the season in their penultimate outing but will have to beat a strong University of Galway side to do so.