HOCKEY:After Tuesday's shock defeat by Belarus, Ireland resume their World League 2 campaign in Valencia tomorrow against Spain, before finishing up against Italy on Sunday. That loss means the team is now under severe pressure as they seek the top-two finish they need to progress to the next phase of the series.
Belarus were a goal up against the Czech Republic yesterday when torrential rain forced the abandonment of the game 11 minutes before half-time.
The teams will resume today and if Belarus hold on to their lead they’ll move four points clear of Ireland, having played an extra game.
They complete their campaign against the hosts on Sunday, a match that could yet determine Ireland's fate – but only if Darren Smith's team can take points from their last two games – both of which are scheduled for live streaming at fhcv.tv– to keep themselves in contention.
On the club front, with the Leinster League title race nearing its conclusion, and just six points separating first and fifth, it could be a pivotal weekend with the top four playing each other.
Loreto, six points off the lead, host leaders Railway Union at Beaufort, while Hermes, four points adrift, meet UCD at St Andrews. The students are level on points with Railway, but one behind on goal difference.
World League 2 (at Valencia - all times Irish) – Today: Belarus v Czech Republic, 9.0; Italy v Spain, 11.0. Tomorrow: Czech Republic v Italy, 9.30; Ireland v Spain, 12.0. Sunday: Ireland v Italy, 10.0; Spain v Belarus, 12.30. Leinster League, Division One – Tomorrow: Loreto v Railway Union, Beaufort, 1.0; Hermes v UCD, St Andrews, 2.15; Old Alexandra v Glenanne, Milltown, 3.0; Corinthian v Pembroke Wanderers, Whitechurch, 3.15; Trinity v North Kildare, Wesley College, 3.30.
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