100pc Leinster records face major tests

Loreto face their first Leinster league tie away from the Beaufort Astroturf today as their 100pc credentials will be put to the test by Old Alex, a side whose youthful exuberance earned a 1-1 IHL draw at Beaufort two months ago.

The Milltown club has since gone on to record a mixed bag of results, winning in Randalstown but losing to Trinity among the ups and downs. Contending with the attacking machine of Symmons, Meeke, Keegan, Daly, McKean and Small is priority number one for Alex.

But should that crew misfire, Alex could sneak in for some points with the aggressive wiles of Rachel Griffith and Laura McCoy perhaps an important factor.

With four of the IHL places already six points out of reach of Alex, they need to start winning games in hand to close the gap.

Similar issues concern Pembroke who lie ninth after five games this term. They supply Railway Union with a tricky away day as they travel the short hop across the Sandymount dart tracks.

Former Park Avenue player Aoife Sherriff is out for Pembroke. For Railway, four games in eight days before the Christmas break will stretch their expansive squad to the limits as Jacqui Potter Cup concerns kick in on Sunday with the second round up for decision on December 20. They play Trinity next Wednesday night in league action.

Hermes, meanwhile, will be hoping to take advantage of any slip from the top two to re-enter the title race. They currently sit fourth, two points off the pace and a game extra played and are relying on other to drop points. But a home win over Corinthian would bring their league run of wins to four and keep their interests alive.

Women’s Division One (Saturday):
Hermes vs Corinthian, 3pm, St Andrew’s; Pembroke vs Railway Union, 3pm, Serpentine Avenue; Old Alex vs Loreto, 4.15pm, Milltown

Jacqui Potter - round one fixtures (Sunday):
Glenanne vs Railway Union II, 12.30pm, Glenanne Park; Clontarf vs North Kildare, 2.30pm, Mount Temple; Corinthian vs Loreto, 2.30pm, Whitechurch; Hermes II vs Old Alex II, 2.45pm, St Andrew's