Tomorrow sees the penultimate round of pool matches in the Irish Hockey League with UCD, Railway Union and Pegasus all needing just a draw to seal their places in the semi-finals of the competition, while Loreto can also progress if results in pool B go their way.
Of the quartet, only Pegasus failed to reach last season’s semi-finals, Ards, their opponents tomorrow, Ulster’s representatives in the last four. They are, though, struggling to repeat the feat having lost two of their three pool games so far, and if they are to have any hope of advancing again they must reverse the outcome of the title decider between the teams earlier this month when Pegasus won 5-3.
Loreto, though, are best placed to go through from the pool with, most likely, Pegasus, the Dublin side two points adrift of the leaders but four clear of Old Alexandra and another two ahead of Ards and Cork Harlequins. If they can beat bottom of the table Ballymoney tomorrow and Alexandra drop points against Harlequins, then their place will be secured.
The contest in pool A looks all but over, UCD and Railway seven points clear of Lurgan in third. Even a draw tomorrow - UCD host Lurgan, Railway are away to Greenfields - will be enough.
Meanwhile, the schedule for next month’s Champions Challenge I in Glasgow has been announced with Ireland opening their campaign against South Africa, followed by Spain and the United States. The hosts, Korea, Belgium and India make up the other pool, the final of the tournament taking place on May 4.
Irish Hockey League - Tomorrow - Pool A: Greenfields v Railway Union, Dangan, 1.0; UCD v Lurgan, Belfield, 2.30; Hermes v Catholic Institute, St Andrews, 3.0. Pool B: Pegasus v Ards, Queens, 1.0; Ballymoney v Loreto, Joey Dunlop Centre, 2.30; Old Alexandra v Cork Harlequins, Alexandra College, 2.30.
Irish Junior Cup, semi-finals - Sunday: Cork Harlequins v Pembroke Wanderers, Farmers Cross, 12.0; UCD v Bandon, Belfield, 2.0.
