Match to honour Potter

Jacqui Potter, who died a year ago, will be remembered by her friends at Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club tomorrow afternoon (3.30) when a match between teams made up of her former Ireland and Leinster colleagues will be played, with all proceeds from the day going to GOAL.

The occasion will also mark the centenary of the Leinster Hockey Union and will be followed by the presentation by Jacqui Potter's parents of a new Leinster Senior Cup in her memory.

The Irish Selection, which includes Carol Garvey, Fiona Breheny, Orla Bell, Teresa Hurley, Mary Logue and Mary Barnwell, will be coached by Ian Steepe, while Trevor Watkins will take charge of the Leinster team, one that will feature former Interprovincial players and close friends of Jacqui Potter.

The big club match of the weekend is the meeting of last season's Leinster champions and third-placed team, Hermes and Old Alexandra, at Belfield. It might only be Hermes's first league outing of the campaign and Alexandra's third but, Nikki King insists, "it's a crunch game".

Alexandra have finished third in Leinster, behind Hermes and Loreto, for the past two seasons, but King, who joined the club from Pembroke Wanderers during the summer, is hopeful that they can improve on that record this time around. "Alex have been there or there abouts the last couple of seasons but haven't quite taken it to that extra level. We have a strong squad now, though, and Anya Bowers (who joined from Trinity) is a great asset. I expect Pembroke and UCD to be up there too this season and to take points off the top teams so that should make it a more competitive league."

UCD, who opened their season with an impressive 5-0 win over Trinity, should find the going a little tougher tomorrow at Beaufort where they come up against Loreto. Pembroke Wanderers host Railway Union at Serpentine Avenue (their game will be followed by the Jacqui Potter match) while Corinthians will be hopeful of collecting their first win of the season against bottom club Glenanne.