Wednesday, March 11: The EY Hockey League returns to near full service, with a weekend of potentially season-defining fixtures on the schedule.
In the Women’s EYHL, Loreto will look to reassert themselves at the top of the table with a clash away to Portadown. Ulster Elks host UCD in an all-university clash, with the former continuing their fight for survival while the latter aim to solidify second spot. Old Alex take on in-form Pegasus on Saturday before travelling to Rosbrien on Sunday in two must-win games for the Dublin side.
In the Men’s EYHL, Banbridge have a huge weekend ahead as they host Pembroke Wanderers on Saturday before facing rivals Lisnagarvey on Monday, with two wins taking them within touching distance of the league title. Lisnagarvey, meanwhile, take on Three Rock before their meeting with Banbridge in the hope of closing the gap on the league leaders. Avoca take on Cork C of I before facing Monkstown on Sunday, with the Dublin side looking to add to their points tally as they target a second EY Champions Trophy spot in a row. YMCA host Cookstown as they look to push for an EY Champions Trophy spot of their own.
In the Women’s EYHL2, Avoca face Ards in a potentially season-defining tie in Newpark, with the hosts looking to climb to top spot while visiting Ards hope to recover from their defeat last week. Monkstown will aspire to do the same should results go their way when they host high-flying University of Galway. UCC take on Trinity Ladies in Santry in a battle of the students, as the visitors also target top spot. Lisnagarvey host Ulster rivals Belfast Harlequins as they continue their quest for a first EYHL2 win. Belfast Harlequins and Trinity Ladies line out again on Sunday.
In the Men’s EYHL2, Portrane and Cork Harlequins meet in another crucial tie in the battle for promotion, as the hosts look to extend their lead at the top while visitors Quins aim to narrow the gap to leaders Portrane after their bonus-point draw last week. Queen’s University take on Clontarf as the two teams look to continue their pursuit of the leaders. Instonians take on Ulster rivals CI Annadale, with the former looking to bounce back from their draw on the road last week and keep pace with Portrane at the top. Bray host Catholic Institute as both sides aim to build momentum, having added their first EYHL2 points to their tally last weekend. South Antrim make the long trip south to face Bandon.
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday, March 14
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Women
13:30 – Old Alex vs Pegasus – Alexandra College
14:30 – Portadown vs Loreto – Edenvilla
14:30 – Ulster Elks vs UCD – Jordanstown
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Men
13:00 – Avoca vs Cork C of I – Newpark School
14:00 – Lisnagarvey vs Three Rock – Comber Road
14:00 – YMCA vs Cookstown – Wesley College
14:45 – Banbridge vs Pembroke Wanderers – Havelock Park
EY Hockey League Division 2 – Women
14:15 – Monkstown vs University of Galway – Rathdown School
15:00 – Avoca vs Ards – Newpark School
15:30 – Trinity Ladies’ vs UCC – Santry Sports Ground
16:00 – Lisnagarvey vs Belfast Harlequins – Comber Road
EY Hockey League Division 2 – Men
13:00 – Bray vs Catholic Institute – Temple Carrig
14:00 – Portrane vs Cork Harlequins – Donabate
14:00 – Bandon vs South Antrim – Bandon Grammar
14:30 – CI Annadale vs Instonians – Strathearn School
14:30 – Queen’s University vs Clontarf – The Dub
Sunday, March 15
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Women
15:00 – Catholic Institute vs Old Alex – Rosbrien
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Men
16:00 – Monkstown vs Avoca – Rathdown School
EY Hockey League Division 2 – Women
12:45 – Belfast Harlequins vs Trinity Ladies’ – Deramore Park
Monday, March 16
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Men
20:00 – Banbridge vs Lisnagarvey – Havelock Park