It’s not often that there’s so much at stake for so many teams going in to the final round of matches in a league campaign, but on Saturday nine of the 10 EY Hockey League division one clubs will have plenty to play for, not least Pembroke Wanderers and Catholic Institute who are both battling it out for the title.
The Limerick side’s 4-1 win over Pembroke last weekend kept their hopes afloat, narrowing the gap between the sides to two points, but they must win away to Belfast Harlequins on Saturday if they are to keep the pressure on the leaders.
If Institute win in Belfast, then Pembroke would have to beat Muckross in a game that doesn’t start until two hours later, Institute’s superior goal difference ensuring that they would take the title should the sides finish level on points.
On the face of it, both sides - both seeking their first ever Hockey League title - should win their games comfortably enough, but their opponents are battling to avoid relegation, so won’t be short of motivation.
Harlequins are two points clear of Muckross, meaning the Dublin side must beat Pembroke to have any hope of surviving. Their far superior goal difference will see them stay up if they finish on the same points as Harlequins.
Should Institute (on 35 points) slip up in Belfast, Pegasus (33) could still overtake them and finish second, thereby sealing a place in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. They have, though, a tough away trip to UCD (29) who will be trying to hold on to their top six placing which would earn a spot in the Champions Trophy quarter-finals.
Loreto (31), Old Alexandra (31) and Railway Union (28) are the other sides scrapping for a top six finish, Loreto looking good thanks to their final game being against already-relegated Cork Harlequins. Alexandra and Railway face each other at Milltown, a game Railway must win if they are to break in to that top six.
For four of Saturday’s combatants, the celebrating/drowning of sorrows will have to be put on hold, Catholic Institute taking on UCD in Limerick and Pembroke hosting Pegasus in the semi-finals of the Irish Senior Cup on Sunday.
Saturday - Hockey League, Division One: Belfast Harlequins v Catholic Institute, Deramore Park, 12.30; Cork Harlequins v Loreto, Farmers' Cross, 12.45; Old Alexandra v Railway Union, Milltown, 1.30; Pembroke Wanderers v Muckross, Serpentine Avenue, 2.30; UCD v Pegasus, Belfield, 2.50.
Sunday - Irish Senior Cup, semi-finals: Catholic Institute v UCD, Rosbrien, 1.0; Pembroke Wanderers v Pegasus, Serpentine Avenue, 4.0.
