EY Champions Trophy Preview

The opening match of the weekend see’s UCD take on Loreto, with the students presumably riding on a wave of confidence following their recent Irish Senior Cup and EY Hockey League titles as they bid for the treble. On paper there isn’t much between these two sides with the teams drawing their first EYHL game 2-2, and UCD taking the spoils in the reverse fixture with a 1-0 victory. The UCD defence currently holds the lowest goals- against title in the EYHL and Clodagh Cassin will surely prove tough to beat while the experienced Sarah Robinson and Lena Tice are all too capable of turning defence into attack with pin point passes through to midfield. But Loreto have goal-scoring threats all over the pitch with a whole host of the squad getting on the scoresheet throughout the season. Sarah Torrans racked up 5 goals in their final match of the season, while Jessica McGirr bagged herself 2 hat tricks in quick succession. Louisa Healy should prove invaluable in the Loreto goal and all the teams international experience will be called upon whether it be Ali Meeke’s creativity or Hannah Matthews’ unwavering reliability. Likewise, the duel between Lizzie Colvin and, Gillian Pinder in midfield could be a key battle in who progresses to the final with Colvin in imperious form this season domestically and internationally. Colvin is set to depart Loreto at the end of the season which may add additional motivation for silverware, regardless the opening match of the weekend should set the high standard for the weekend.