WOMEN'S HOCKEY IRISH LEAGUE: PEGASUS AND Randalstown get the third round of the Irish Hockey League under way this evening in Banbridge, with the other five fixtures played over the weekend, Hermes and Pembroke Wanderers completing the schedule of games at Belfield on Sunday.
Their defeat to Loreto last month means Pegasus have some work to do if they are to progress to the semi-finals by finishing in the top two in Pool A. They should, though, get back on track this evening against a Randalstown side they beat 5-1 in the league a month ago – the teams have also been drawn against each other in the second round of the Irish Senior Cup.
Loreto, away to Church of Ireland tomorrow, top the pool, having taken seven points from their opening two games, putting them two clear of Railway Union and another one ahead of Pegasus and Belfast Harlequins. C of I have been hit by the loss of captain Sandra Hackett for the season with a torn cruciate ligament.
Railway host Harlequins at Park Avenue, the Ulster side now assured of Jenny McDonough’s availability for the remainder of the season after she announced her retirement from international hockey. Work and other personal commitments have brought to an end an eight-year Ireland career that saw McDonough win 117 caps.
Pool B is no less competitive, with Hermes (six points) and Cork Harlequins (five) occupying the top two spots, followed by UCD and Pembroke Wanderers who are both on four points. A victory would bring Ballymoney or Armagh, who meet tomorrow, back into the race, not least if one or the other can pick up a bonus point.
UCD are the pool’s form team following last weekend’s Irish Senior Cup victory over Hermes and, a day later, a win over Pembroke in the league. The students are away to Harlequins tomorrow, with Hermes meeting Pembroke at Belfield on Sunday.
TODAY: Irish Hockey League: Pool A: Pegasus v Randalstown, Banbridge, 8.15. SATURDAY: Irish Hockey League: Pool A: Church of Ireland v Loreto, Garryduff, 2pm; Railway Union v Belfast Harlequins, Park Avenue, 6pm.Pool B: Ballymoney v Armagh, Joey Dunlop Centre, 3pm; Cork Harlequins v UCD, Harlequin Park, 3pm.
SUNDAY: Irish Hockey League: Pool B: Hermes v Pembroke Wanderers, Belfield, 2.0.
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