WOMEN'S HOCKEY:RAILWAY UNION resume their quest tomorrow for the Leinster Division One title when they take on Old Alexandra at Milltown.
Their nine-point lead at the top of the table might not be unassailable, but it's formidable enough to put Mick McKinnon's team within touching distance of ending Hermes and Loreto's decade-long domination of the league.
Nine wins and a draw from their opening 10 games have, then, put Railway firmly in pole position. Sixteen points from a possible 24 would guarantee them the title, assuming their closest challengers Loreto win their remaining eight games, a cushion that allows for a slip-up or three.
The chasing pack, of course, cannot afford any more off-days. Loreto's hopes of catching the leaders were badly hit by their pre-Christmas home defeat to Pembroke Wanderers. UCD should provide another test at Beaufort tomorrow, while Hermes, a further point behind in third place, are up against Trinity in Booterstown.
The students, bottom of the table, are two points adrift of Corinthian who are away to Glenanne.
In Munster, Church of Ireland have a double-header - away to Belvedere tomorrow and at home to Catholic Institute on Sunday - but Cork Harlequins will expect to maintain their advantage at the top when they take on UL.
FIXTURES
SATURDAY: Leinster League: Division One:Loreto v UCD, Beaufort, 2.15; Glenanne v Corinthian, Tallaght, 1.30; Bray v Pembroke Wanderers, Bray, 2.30; Hermes v Trinity, St Andrew's, 1.15; Old Alexandra v Railway Union, Milltown, 1.15. Munster League: Division One:Belvedere v Church of Ireland, Ballincollig, 1.30; Catholic Institute v UCC, Rosbrien, 2.15; Cork Harlequins v Univ of Limerick, Harlequin Park, 3.30.
SUNDAY: Munster League:Church of Ireland v Catholic Institute, Garryduff, 12.30.
