Wednesday, October 29: The EY Hockey League returns after a one-week break with a thrilling double-weekend as sides jostle for position in the lead-up to the winter break.
On Saturday in the Women’s EYHL, Queen’s University are the next side in line to try put a stop to the reigning champions’ unbeaten run, as the high-flying university side host Loreto. Elsewhere, Pegasus will travel to Park Avenue as they look to get one over on Railway Union. UCD take on Ulster Elks in an all-university clash as the former looks to put further pressure on the top three while the latter attempts to put further distance between them and the relegation zone. Sixth take on seventh as Portadown and Pembroke Wanderers meet in Serpentine Avenue. And Old Alex host Catholic Institute in a battle of the bottom two as both look to bolster their survival hopes.
On Saturday in the Men’s EYHL, league leaders Banbridge will have to overcome third place Monkstown at Havelock Park as they look to continue their dominance. Lisnagarvey host Cookstown in an Ulster derby as they try to keep pace with the sides above. YMCA take on Pembroke Wanderers as both look to bounce back from their Round 7 defeats. Cork C of I welcome Corinthian to Garryduff as both look to grab vital points in their efforts to climb the table. And Avoca will hope they can build on their first win of the season with a huge scalp against Three Rock Rovers, with the visitors in fine form having won all their last three EYHL matches.
On Sunday in the Women’s EYHL, Portadown and Old Alex will meet for the first time. Catholic Institute welcome Railway Union to Rosbrien. Pegasus and UCD face off with fourth spot potentially up for grabs. Queen’s University host Pembroke Wanderers in their second game on home soil of the weekend. And Loreto make the trip north to take on Ulster Elks with home side Elks looking to cause a major upset.
On Sunday in the Men’s EYHL, Avoca close out a tough double-weekend with a battle against the league leaders, Banbridge. YMCA take on Lisnagarvey in Wesley College as they hope to replicate their close encounters last season with the eventual champions. Three Rock Rovers and Pembroke Wanderers revisit their classic rivalry as the form looks to break into the top four, while the latter tries to keep their place within it. Cookstown travel to St Columba’s in search of much-needed points as they take on a Corinthian side with their sights set on an EY Champions Trophy place. And Monkstown host Cork C of I as they meet for the first time since their AIG Irish Senior Cup clash last season.
EY Hockey League – Women – Fixtures
Saturday, November 1
Queen’s University vs Loreto @ 12:30 – The Dub
Umpires: Julie Fisher, Oli Brown
UCD vs Ulster Elks @ 13:00 – UCD Belfield
Umpires: Ellie Duffy, Ian Strange
Old Alex vs Catholic Institute @ 13:30 – Alexandra College
Umpires: Liz Clifford, Simon MacAllister
Railway Union vs Pegasus @ 13:40 – Park Avenue
Umpires: Sarah Craig, Peter Urwin
Pembroke Wanderers vs Portadown @ 14:30 – Serpentine Avenue
Umpires: Clare Barwood, Sunny Charles
Sunday, November 2
Catholic Institute vs Railway Union @ 13:15 – Rosbrien
Umpires: Jim Butler, Malcolm Coombes
Ulster Elks vs Loreto @ 14:00 – Jordanstown
Umpires: Robert Johnston, Peter Urwin
Pegasus vs UCD @ 14:30 – Newforge Country Club
Umpires: Ben Geoghan, Cameron Slade
Queen’s University vs Pembroke Wanderers @ 14:30 – The Dub
Umpires: Les Allen, Lyn Morrow
Portadown vs Old Alex @ 15:00 – Edenvilla
Umpires: Julie Fisher, Victoria Johnston
EY Hockey League – Men – Fixtures
Saturday, November 1
YMCA vs Pembroke Wanderers @ 12:30 – Wesley College
Umpires: Bruce Bale, Shane O’Donnell
Cork C of I vs Corinthian @ 14:00 – Garryduff
Umpires: Jim Butler, Malcolm Coombes
Avoca vs Three Rock Rovers @ 14:30 – Newpark School
Umpires: Aaron Donnell, Robert Johnston
Lisnagarvey vs Cookstown @ 14:30 – Comber Road
Umpires: Les Allen, Neal Hermon
Banbridge vs Monkstown @ 14:45 – Havelock Park
Umpires: Alison Keogh, Aaron Saunders
Sunday, November 2
YMCA vs Lisnagarvey @ 14:00 – Wesley College
Umpires: Rob Argent, Simon MacAllister
Monkstown vs Cork C of I @ 14:30 – Rathdown School
Umpires: Clare Barwood, Russell Donaldson
Corinthian vs Cookstown @ 15:00 – Whitechurch Park
Umpires: Sarah Craig, Alison Keogh
Three Rock Rovers vs Pembroke Wanderers @ 15:00 – Grange Road
Umpires: Oli Brown, Aaron Saunders
Avoca vs Banbridge @ 15:30 – Newpark School
Umpires: Bruce Bale, Aaron Donnell