Thrilling finale in store as battle for women’s semi-final berths conclude

FIVE teams are in contention for two semi-final berths as the pool stages of the women’s Irish Hockey League come to an intriguing conclusion on Sunday.

Railway Union have already sewn up top spot in Pool A and a last four place is assured; they host Pembroke Wanderers, who are fighting for the second qualification slot with Cork Harlequins.

Quins have an easier task on paper at home to Ards, but as they are a point behind, they must better Pembroke’s result. However, Cork C of I’s clash with Ballymoney is a dead rubber; all games hit off simultaneously at 1pm.

In Pool B (all games 3pm), the duel between last year’s finalists, Hermes and Loreto, at Beaufort will likely see one side bow out.

A draw is enough for Hermes to progress, and top spot is also up for grabs, though a likely win for leaders Pegasus basement side Randalstown will give the Belfast powerhouses the top billing. Only pride is at stake when UCC visit Old Alex.

Elsewhere, a decision by the Leinster branch to impose a March 21 deadline for all the men’s Division One games to be completed leaves title challengers Glenanne with the nightmare scenario of having to play five games in ten days.

That was due to start with a clash with Three Rock Rovers last night, with Fingal tomorrow and a grudge match with Pembroke on Saturday that could have a big say in the destination of the title. Corinthians, currently on top by a point from Pembroke, entertain Rovers, while Pembroke have a difficult assignment against IHL qualification hopefuls Monkstown on Saturday before taking on the Glens in Tallaght.

Things are more straightforward in Munster, where Cork Harlequins face UCC at Mount Mercy.

Quins need a win to maintain their title challenge, knowing that a perfect record from here on in will leave them with a winner-takes-all clash at home to leaders C of I. For UCC, getting something out of this game would keep the heat on Bandon in the race for a wildcard playoff spot.

C of I are not in action as their seconds continue their defence of the Irish Junior Cup with a home quarter-final against Cookstown.

It’s the last chance saloon in the women’s league for UL, who know that anything less than a win at Ashton will consign them to finishing bottom of the table.

They would then face an anxious wait to see if Belvedere – the only side eligible to come up from Division Two – wish to contest a promotion/relegation playoff.

At the other end, UCC head to Waterford seeking the three points that would them back on top of the pile.

Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s junior interpros are taking place in Cork this weekend, at Garryduff and Harlequin Park respectively.