Loreto spring the surprise

Leinster champions Hermes topped the table after the opening day of the Club Championships in Belfield, where Pegasus, who are aiming for their fourth successive Irish title, were held to a scoreless draw by Loreto.

Hermes had to come from a goal down to beat Old Alexandra, for whom Leanne Ryan opened the scoring after 18 minutes. Four goals in 20 second-half minutes from Aisling Keane, Carol Devine, Hilda Barron and Rosie Walsh secured the two points for Hermes, who also missed a penalty stroke.

A year ago Loreto lost 6-0 to Pegasus in the club's finals; but this time they proved to be a match for the tournament favourites. While Pegasus dominated the second half, and forced six short corners to Loreto's one, the Dublin side came closest to scoring when Cathy McKean's effort three minutes from time was cleared off the line by Pamela Magill.

Pegasus had a player advantage for 18 minutes of the second half after Nikki Symmons and then Orla Ryan were yellow-carded; but they failed to take advantage repeatedly thwarted by a superb Loreto defence, the star of which was Sarah Rand.