With the Leinster first division nearing the half way point in the campaign, tomorrow’s fixtures, which pair first and third, UCD and Loreto, and second and fourth, Railway Union and Hermes, could have a significant impact on the outcome of the title chase.

Having lost their opening two games of the season, both by single goals to Old Alexandra and UCD, Hermes have rallied well, winning their last five fixtures. None of those, though, was against a top four side so tomorrow’s meeting with Railway will be a more telling test of their progress.

Goals had been hard to come by for Jaimee Claxton’s side, but they found their range with 20 in successive games against the bottom three, Aine Connery their top scorer with five, their challenge now to breach a sturdy Railway defence.

Having conceded just four goals in seven games, Loreto have the best defensive record in the division, but that too will have its mettle tested against leaders UCD who have the best scoring record - 37 goals in seven.

Fifth-placed Pembroke Wanderers will hope to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Railway when they play Corinthian.