Matthews the hero as Leinster claim title

Women's Hockey:Former Irish international Philip Matthews may have represented Ulster with distinction in the course of his rugby career but, yesterday, his daughter, Hannah, helped end the province's quest for an under-18 interprovincial eight-in-a-row when her two goals in the deciding game of the tournament in Belfast sent Leinster, coached by Viv Doran, on their way to their first title at this level in 11 years.

Matthews, the Loreto Beaufort pupil whose grandfather Kevin Flynn was another Irish rugby great, made it four goals in as many games when she scored twice in the decisive 3-1 defeat of Ulster. Leinster and Ulster had won all three of their games, beating Munster, Connacht and South East comfortably.

Mount Sackville's Orla Fox scored a hat-trick for Leinster in Saturday's 4-0 defeat of South East, having beaten Munster 3-1, with Hermes' Anna O'Flanagan's double against Connacht yesterday setting up a 5-0 win. Megan Frazer, of Moyle College, had outscored everyone with six goals in Ulster's advance to the determining game. But Leinster's attacking flair proved too much for the long-time champions.

Railway Union have drawn level on points with Pembroke Wanderers at the top of the Leinster first division after their 4-1 defeat of Trinity yesterday. Jean McDonnell scored twice as Railway went 3-0 up after 10 minutes, Sinead Walsh and Sinead Dooley completing their scoring.

Yet another converted short corner by Sarah Clarke gave Pembroke the lead early in the second half against Loreto, but Sarah Scott snatched a point for the Leinster champions. Old Alexandra had to fight back for a draw against Three Rock, Zanya Dahl levelling after Aoife Dalton had given the hosts a first-half lead. UCD won their first match of the season, internationals Christine Quinlan and Roisin Flinn both scoring in a 4-1 defeat of Genesis.