Hockey preview: Leaders Loreto travel to Railway Union in top-of-the-table clash

League leaders Loreto travel to face second-placed Railway Union in a top-of-the-table clash.

Catholic Institute will look to build on last weekend’s impressive win over Railway Union as they welcome Queen’s University Belfast to Rosbrien.

Despite a challenging start that sees them at the foot of the EYHL Division 1 table, the hosts will hope home advantage can help them continue their upward momentum.

League leaders Loreto travel to face second-placed Railway Union in a top-of-the-table clash.

Railway will be determined to close the current six-point gap, while a win for Loreto could see them tighten their grip on the title race heading into the second half of the season.

In the men’s EYHL Division 1, Cork Church of Ireland make the trip to YMCA following a difficult weekend of back-to-back defeats.

Although C of I have been competitive, a lack of cutting edge has left them sitting second from bottom and in need of points.

Banbridge and Three Rock Rovers renew their rivalry this weekend.

The sides pushed each other all the way last season, but Three Rock have yet to find consistency this term. With Banbridge leading the way, this fixture could be crucial if Rovers are to re-establish themselves as title contenders.

In the Men’s Munster Division 1, Catholic Institute’s title ambitions face a stern test when they take on league leaders Cork Harlequins in Rosbrien.

Meanwhile, third-placed Bandon travel to Waterford as they look to keep pace at the top.

In the Women’s Munster Division 1, leaders UCC will aim to strengthen their advantage when they host Waterford. Attention will also turn to the chase for second place, with Harlequins visiting Crescent in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.

Saturday's Fixtures

Men’s EYHL Division 1: Lisnagarvey v Avoca, 2.30pm; Monkstown v Cookstown, 2.15pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Corinthians, 4pm; Three Rock Rovers v Banbridge, 3pm; YMCA v Cork Church of Ireland, 1.15pm.

Men’s Munster Division 1: Catholic Institute v Cork Harlequins, 2.45pm; Cork Harlequins B v Midleton, 2.30pm; Waterford v Bandon, 2pm.

Women’s EYHL Division 1: Catholic Institute v Queens University, 12.45pm; Pegasus v Ulster Elks, 4.15pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Old Alexandra, 2pm; Portadown v University College Dublin, 1pm; Railway Union v Loreto, 1.40pm.

Women’s Munster Division 1: Catholic Institute 2 v Ashton, 2.30pm; Cork Church of Ireland v Bandon, 12pm; Crescent v Cork Harlequins, 2pm; University College Cork v Waterford, 1pm.