WOMEN'S HOCKEY: UCD MADE an impressive start to the defence of the ESB Irish Senior Cup on Saturday when they beat Church of Ireland 5-0 at Belfield. And Railway Union, Hermes, Pegasus and Cork Harlequins also went through to the second round.
The students were 2-0 up by half-time through goals from Fiona Bradish and Rosie Carrigan, and Lisa Jacob, Bradish again and Laura Wilson completed the rout against the weakened Munster side after the break.
A hat-trick from former Irish international Karen Bateman helped Munster champions Cork Harlequins to a 4-0 win over Belfast Harlequins at Farmers Cross, but the day’s top scorers were Railway who put eight past Victorians at Jordanstown. Jean McDonnell scored three.
Pegasus, beaten finalists last season, had a happier trip to Dublin this time around, beating Corinthian 3-1, while goals from Gillian Pinder gave Hermes a 2-0 victory over Trinity.
Meanwhile, a last-minute penalty stroke from Nikki Symmons, awarded after Cathy McKean had been fouled en route to goal, gave Loreto the points in their league match win against Bray at Beaufort.
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