Friday, March 27, 2009

Women's Division One Preview

The title race, so long seen as a one-horse race, could see a major twist once again this week. Railway could have their first ever title wrapped up within six days with Saturday's game in Bray beginning a possible run of three games in quick succession with UCD visiting on Monday and a trip to Trinity in the offing for next Thursday.

Bray will prove no pushover as they look to complete their first division one programme on a high, especially as Linda O'Neill and Catherine Murray will be looking to get one over on former Loreto schoolmates Isobel and Cecelia Joyce. The latter is looking to return after missing last week's cup defeat to Ballymoney, due to concussion sustained in the Jacqui Potter final.

Loreto's Tuesday night win means they can stay top with a win over Hermes but the Booterstown club have proved feistier in front of goal on their travels and will relish the challenge at Beaufort. Gillian Pinder's knee injury will probably keep her out of action.

Like the men's competition, a relegation six-pointer takes place. A loss for either Corinthian or Trinity would not prove instantly fatal for either side, however, as a Branch bye-law means tenth place this year will play Genesis in a one-off promotion/relegation battle. It comes after the Dun Laoghaire side finished highest of the first teams in division two but not close enough to the top to take an automatic promotion.

Glenanne's match with Pembroke only has significance for the latter as they hope to keep up their IHL push, needing to keep clear of UCD who face a busy close to the season, with six league fixtures still up for decision.

Division One schedule:
Bray v Railway Union, 12.30pm, Loreto Convent Bray; Corinthian v Trinity, 2pm, Whitechurch; Loreto v Hermes, 12.45pm, Beaufort; Glenanne v Pembroke Wanderers, 12pm, St Mark's

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Loreto and Railway are now on equal points after a draw between Hermes and Loreto and win for Railway over Bray. Railway have four matches left to get the required 4 points to be sure of the first senior trophy in their long history

Anonymous said...

Railway play UCD on Monday evening. UCD will be hoping to come away with some points on the back of their succes at the weekend. Should be a good match anyway!

Anonymous said...

Railway and Loreto are on equal points now but Railway have 4 games left to play and Loreto only have one. Railway have a few tough fixtures left. Best of luck to them.