WOMEN'S HOCKEY:WITH ONLY Hermes already assured of a place in the last four of the Irish Hockey League (IHL), the pool phase of the competition reaches an exciting conclusion tomorrow with six clubs battling it out for the three remaining semi-final places.

Loreto, Railway Union and Pegasus all have a chance of a top-two finish in Pool A, while in Pool B Ballymoney, UCD and Cork Harlequins can join Hermes in next month’s semi-finals at Grange Road.

They might have the highest points tally of the 12 IHL contestants so far, as well as being the competition’s top scorers, but Loreto are not yet certain of their semi-final place.

They would, though, only be denied progress by the combination of a three-goal defeat by Railway Union – crowned Leinster champions for the first time earlier this week – and a Pegasus victory over Church of Ireland by the same margin.

Similarly, only a defeat by three goals at Belfield would deny Hermes, who play Ballymoney, top spot in Pool B.

The Ulster side, in second place, can be caught by Irish Senior Cup finalists UCD, who are away to Pembroke Wanderers, and Cork Harlequins, who host bottom club Armagh.

Pool placings are determined by, in this order, points, goal difference, goals scored and, finally, the result of the matches between teams which finish level on the first three criteria.

IRISH HOCKEY LEAGUE:Tomorrow: Pool A: Pegasus v Church of Ireland, Queen's, 5.30pm; Railway Union v Loreto, Park Avenue, 5.30pm; Randalstown v Belfast Harlequins, Antrim Forum, 2.30pm. Pool B: Hermes v Ballymoney, Belfield, 1pm; Cork Harlequins v Armagh, Harlequin Park, 1pm; Pembroke Wanderers v UCD, Serpentine Avenue, 1pm.

POOL A

PWDLFAPts

Loreto440017715

Railway430111411

Pegasus430112711

B Harlequins41038134

C of I 41033113

Randalstown40046152

POOL B

PWDLFAPts

Hermes440010213

Ballymoney42111059

UCD42021078

C Harlequins4211558

Pembroke4103484

Armagh40042141