Wednesday night's 6-0 win over Glenanne lifted Old Alexandra above Loreto, on goal difference, to the top of the Leinster Senior A table in what is proving to be the closest three-way race for the title in recent years.

By Sunday evening, though, title holders Hermes, who have two games this weekend, could leapfrog both their closest rivals if they beat Pembroke Wanderers and UCD. As the table stands now the two forthcoming fixtures between Hermes and Old Alexandra could determine which of the clubs wins the league, although Loreto still cling to the hope that last week's defeat by Pembroke won't prove to be a fatal blow to their title ambitions.

On Wednesday night the Leinster branch of the Irish Ladies Hockey Union decided on the rearranged date for the postponed pre-Christmas fixture between Hermes and Old Alexandra but, by late last night, were still reluctant to make the date of the fixture public. Such reticence is puzzling but, it is hoped, the date will be revealed some time today. The Branch is, no doubt, aware that their decision could have a significant bearing on the outcome of the title race - if they over-rule the Irish council's decision to allow Hermes play their five internationals against Old Alexandra in the re-arranged pre-Christmas fixture, by choosing a date when the five are on Irish duty, Hermes will go in to the potential title decider severely weakened. Their decision is awaited with considerable interest. Muckross will hope to maintain their recent improved form when they play UCD at Belfield tomorrow - with relegation rivals Railway Union and Glenanne meeting the top two, Alexandra and Loreto, a victory could lift them off the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile in Galway Ulster will be attempting to retain their Junior Interprovincial title which they won in Dublin last year.

They open their campaign tomorrow against Leinster, who will, by then, already have played hosts Connacht in the first match of the tournament.