Leaders maintain their momentum

WOMEN'S HOCKEY:SOMETHING will have to give next weekend when Railway Union and Loreto meet in the league after the two teams made it six wins out of six on Saturday, Railway beating Pembroke Wanderers 2-0 and Loreto getting the better of Old Alexandra by the same scoreline.

Hermes, meanwhile, moved above UCD in to third in the table, two second-half goals from Anna O’Flanagan enough to see off the challenge of Corinthian in Booterstown. Hermes are now two points behind the leaders, but with an extra game played.

Pembroke and Alexandra made the top two work hard for their victories on Saturday, Railway failing to break Pembroke down from open play but securing the points with short-corner goals from Isobel Joyce and Kate Dillon, one in each half.

Nikki Symmons’ reverse-stick strike gave Loreto the lead against Alexandra but they didn’t make sure of their win until 10 minutes from time when Ali Meeke made it 2-0.

With two games in the next week, the second against Railway, Loreto fielded an understrength side yesterday in the Leinster Senior Cup and were beaten by Corinthian on penalty strokes after a scoreless draw.

Old Alexandra II also went through on penalties, against Hermes II, while Glenanne beat Railway’s seconds 2-1.

Holders UCC needed strokes too to win through to the semi-finals of the Munster Senior Cup, after a 3-3 draw with Church of Ireland.

But their opponents in the last four, Cork Harlequins, received a walkover after the University of Limerick were unable to field a side for their quarter-final.

Ashton and Catholic Institute will meet in the other semi-final after beating Waterford (3-0) and Bandon (2-0), respectively.