Railway keep up their great seasonal form

WOMENS HOCKEY:THERE'LL BE no repeat of last season's ESB Irish Senior Cup final after both the holders, UCD, and the team they beat last April, Pegasus, lost their semi-finals on Saturday, Loreto and Railway Union setting up only the third all-Leinster final in 14 years.

For Railway a 3-1 victory over the Ulster champions in Belfast was an extension of what has been a quite dazzling season for the club, Mick McKinnon’s side having won every game it has played, in all competitions.

Victory over Loreto in May’s final would give Railway their first Irish Senior Cup in the club’s history, but for now they will just savour their triumph over a side, seeking their fourth consecutive final appearance, not accustomed to losing at home.

An emphatic victory it was too, Railway taking a 3-0 lead before Arlene Boyles pulled a late goal back for the hosts. A goal up at half-time, through Jean McDonnell, the Leinster champions extended their lead five minutes in to the second half, Nicola Evans rounding off a superb move, before Kate McKenna’s reverse-stick strike all but sealed the win.

Meanwhile, at Belfield, Loreto ousted the holders to reach their first final since 2003. On that occasion two goals from Cathy McKean helped the team to success over Cork Harlequins and it was the same player who got the only score of Saturday’s game.

The winner came 24 minutes in to the first half, McKean turning home Liz Colvin’s cross from the left wing. Caitriona Tipping twice came close to doubling Loreto’s lead while, at the other end, goalkeeper Louisa Healy frustrated the students’ efforts to level the game.

Loreto and Railway Union, then, will contest the final, just as they are vying for the Leinster title.

Hermes, though, are ensuring that that remains a three-way battle, their 4-2 win over Pembroke Wanderers on Saturday lifting them above Loreto in to second, two points behind Railway. They have, though, played an extra game.