WOMEN'S HOCKEY:WITH UCD and Trinity on intervarsity duty at Belfield this weekend there's a reduced Leinster first division programme, but Railway Union and Loreto are in action, both clubs seeking their third win in as many games.
UCD’s 1-0 win over Old Alexandra on Wednesday night – Laura Wilson got the winner in the first half – maintained the students’ perfect start to the season, lifting them to the top of the table.
Granted, it’s early days in the campaign, but coach Johnny Harte will have been encouraged by the team’s form, not least in beating Alexandra without their two internationals, Niamh Atcheler and Chloe Watkins. Alexandra, though, were short of Pam Smithwick and Shirley McCay, the pair, like all the central preparation programme players, unable to appear for their clubs midweek.
Railway and Loreto, then, will look to join UCD on nine points, Railway are at home to Pembroke Wanderers and Loreto away to Bray. Corinthian and Glenanne, both yet to pick up a point, meet at Whitechurch.
The big game of the weekend in Munster is the clash of league leaders Catholic Institute and champions Cork Harlequins at Rosbrien.
FIXTURES – Leinster League – Division One – Saturday: Corinthian v Glenanne, Whitechurch, 1.30; Bray v Loreto, Loreto Bray, 3.0; Railway Union v Pembroke Wanderers, Park Avenue, 3.0.
Munster League – Division One – Saturday: Ashton v Bandon, Ashton, 1.30; Catholic Institute v Cork Harlequins, Rosbrien, 12.0.
