Big chance for Queen’s to make title statement… EY Hockey League returns with crucial double-weekend as teams approach the halfway point… all the fixtures, venues and match times

Queen's have weekend home games against Loreto and Pembroke Wanderers

THE EY All Ireland hockey league returns after a one-week break with a thrilling double-weekend as sides jostle for position in the lead-up to the winter break.

On Saturday in the Women’s EYHL, Queen’s University are the next side in line to try put a stop to the reigning champions’ unbeaten run, as the high-flying university side host Loreto.

Elsewhere, Pegasus will travel to Park Avenue as they look to get one over on Railway Union. UCD take on Ulster Elks in an all-university clash as the former looks to put further pressure on the top three while the latter attempts to put further distance between them and the relegation zone.

Sixth take on seventh as Portadown and Pembroke Wanderers meet in Serpentine Avenue. And Old Alex host Catholic Institute in a battle of the bottom two as both look to bolster their survival hopes.

On Sunday in the Women’s EYHL, Portadown and Old Alex will meet for the first time. Catholic Institute welcome Railway Union to Rosbrien. Pegasus and UCD face off with fourth spot potentially up for grabs. Queen’s University host Pembroke Wanderers in their second game on home soil of the weekend. And Loreto make the trip north to take on Ulster Elks with home side Elks looking to cause a major upset.

EY Hockey League – Women – Fixtures

Saturday, November 1

Queen’s University vs Loreto @ 12:30 – The Dub

Umpires: Julie Fisher, Oli Brown

UCD vs Ulster Elks @ 13:00 – UCD Belfield

Umpires: Ellie Duffy, Ian Strange

Old Alex vs Catholic Institute @ 13:30 – Alexandra College

Umpires: Liz Clifford, Simon MacAllister

Railway Union vs Pegasus @ 13:40 – Park Avenue

Umpires: Sarah Craig, Peter Urwin

Pembroke Wanderers vs Portadown @ 14:30 – Serpentine Avenue

Umpires: Clare Barwood, Sunny Charles