HOCKEY:Ireland open their World League campaign in Valencia today against the Czech Republic, their target in the five-nation tournament a top-two finish to go through to the third round of the series, the ultimate goal on a long qualification road a place in the 2014 World Cup.

Darren Smith’s side are top seeds in Valencia, ranked at 14 in the world, ahead of Spain (15), Italy (17), Belarus (21) and the Czechs (37).

Back home, Railway Union and Loreto advanced to the final of the Jacqui Potter Cup yesterday, Kate Dillon getting the winner for Railway against Hermes, while Loreto beat their seconds 4-0.

Snow caused the postponement of Loreto’s league game against Corinthian on Saturday, but the rest of the top five all won their fixtures. Railway went top on goal difference.