WOMEN'S HOCKEY: There's a limited programme of league matches this weekend but two of them, one each in Leinster and Ulster, are fixtures that could impact on the outcome of the provinces' title races.
Having already lost to three of their rivals, Old Alexandra, Hermes and Railway Union, Leinster champions Loreto, now seven points adrift of Hermes, simply cannot afford to lose to Pembroke Wanderers tomorrow if they are to have realistic hopes of retaining their crown.
A win for Pembroke would see them draw level on points with Hermes whose 1-0 win over UCD on Wednesday night, courtesy of a Linda Caulfield goal, put them three points clear at the top, but with an extra game played.
Meanwhile in Ulster, Ballymoney will attempt to keep the pressure on Pegasus, who have won all their games to date this season, when they meet at the Joey Dunlop Centre.
Ballymoney are also unbeaten but could only draw with Randalstown, leaving them playing "catch-up" on the champions.
Church of Ireland lost their perfect start to the Munster league season when they were beaten by Cork Harlequins a fortnight ago, making three points essential from their game against Bandon on Sunday if they are to stay in touch with the champions.
In Belfast this weekend Ulster will look to extend a winning run in the under-18 interprovincial tournament that stretches back to 2000 - indeed, they did not concede a goal, never mind drop a point, in the last two tournaments.
UNDER-18 INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT
(at Deramore Park)
Today: Ulster v Leinster, 5.30; Connacht v South East, 7.30. Tomorrow: Leinster v South East, 9.30; Ulster v Munster, 11.30; Connacht v Leinster, 1.30; South East v Munster, 3.30. Sunday: Connacht v Munster, 9.0; Ulster v South East, 11.0; Leinster v Munster, 1.0; Ulster v Connacht, 3.0.
LEINSTER LEAGUE - Division One - Tomorrow: Trinity v UCD, Santry, 2.0; Loreto v Pembroke Wanderers, Beaufort, 2.15. Division Two - Tomorrow: Corinthian II v Old Alexandra II, Whitechurch, 1.0; Bray v Hermes II, Bray, 2.30; Glenanne v Loreto II, Tallaght, 3.0; Pembroke Wanderers II v Loreto III, Ballsbridge, 3.30. Saturday: Loreto II v Genesis, Beaufort, 2.30.
MUNSTER LEAGUE - Division One - Tomorrow: UCC v Univ of Limerick, Mardyke, 1.0. Sunday: Church of Ireland v Bandon, Garryduff, 3.0.
ULSTER LEAGUE - Senior One: Knock v Ballymena, Queen's, 2.30; Ballymoney v Pegasus, Joey Dunlop Centre, 2.30.
