Women’s hockey: Chasing pack get chance to close gap as top four meet

Leaders Hermes are away to Pegasus, while Railway Union host UCD

Nikki Evans, who scored winner for Hermes against Pegasus earlier in the season. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Nikki Evans, who scored winner for Hermes against Pegasus earlier in the season. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

With the top four meeting each other in the latest round of Hockey League games, there's a chance for the chasing pack to close ground. Leaders Hermes are away to third-placed Pegasus, while Railway Union host UCD in a second versus fourth contest.

The game at Queens will be one of the sterner tests Hermes have faced in their flawless campaign to date. Pegasus made a slow start to the season but have won seven of their last eight.

Railway have lost just two of their 12 games to date – both to Hermes. But they face a tough test in UCD, whose recent run of wins has only been interrupted by, yes, Hermes.

Cork Harlequins and Pembroke Wanderers meet at Farmers Cross, with a win for either putting them back into contention for a semi-final place. The two remaining games are between teams in the bottom four, UCC and Ards hosting Ulster Elks and Greenfields respectively.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times