AN important week of domestic hockey lies ahead as the EY Hockey League Division 2 begins and the EYHL Division 1 returns for the business end of the season.
The women’s teams begin their campaign for promotion to Ireland’s topflight this Saturday as the EYHL2 commences under a new format. The competition moves from its original pool stage and play-off structure to a single league with the top two teams gaining promotion, promising for an even more competitive and closely fought battle for the ultimate prize; a seat at the top table with Ireland’s best club sides.
In the Women’s EYHL2, Ards and UCC both hope to begin their bids for immediate topflight returns after last year’s relegation with matchups against University of Galway & Belfast Harlequins, respectively. Avoca make the trip south to face Cork Harlequins, while Monkstown host college side Trinity Ladies’ as four promotion hopefuls look to make positive starts.
The EYHL also returns with a full roster of Women’s matches, and one Men’s match taking place as the battle for the EY Champions Trophy places recommences.
In the Women’s EYHL, Loreto will look to take another step closer to their third consecutive league title when they host Catholic Institute. Railway Union will hope they can return to winning ways after a tough pre-Christmas run in, but won’t have it easy as they meet nearby rivals Old Alex.
An all-university clash sees second place UCD travel to Queen’s University Belfast. Portadown host Ulster Elks in a crucial six-pointer, with both sides hoping to make early survival pushes. And Pembroke Wanderers welcome Pegasus to Serpentine Avenue, with both sides keen to solidify they top six places further.
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday, January 31
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Women
12:30 – Queen’s University vs UCD – The Dub
Umpires: Sarah Craig, Aaron Donnell
13:15 – Loreto vs Catholic Institute – Loreto Beaufort
Umpires: Linda Coughlan, Aidan McCullough
13:30 – Old Alex vs Railway Union – Alexandra College
Umpires: Oli Brown, Julie Fisher
EY Hockey League Division 2 – Women
12:30 – Cork Harlequins vs Avoca – Harlequin Park
Umpires: Eimear Linehan, Cameron Slade
13:30 – UCC vs Belfast Harlequins – The Mardyke
Umpires: Mark Mulcahy, Paul Rainey
14:15 – Monkstown vs Trinity Ladies’ – Rathdown School
Umpires: Les Allen, Ian Creighton
14:30 – Ards vs University of Galway – Londonderry Park
Umpires: Lyn Morrow, Ryan Smith
Sunday, February 1
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Women
13:00 – Pembroke Wanderers vs Pegasus – Serpentine Avenue
Umpires: Rob Argent, Peter Urwin
15:00 – Portadown vs Ulster Elks – Edenvilla
Umpires: Robert Johnston, Aaron Saunders
