Early days, but Railway do look title part

WOMEN'S HOCKEY: WITH EIGHT matches still to play when the Leinster League resumes following the Christmas break, Railway Union won't be throwing any title-winning parties just yet.

But Mick McKinnon's team took a giant leap towards winning the Division One crown on Saturday when they beat Hermes, the defending champions, 3-1 at Park Avenue.

Earlier in the day, second-placed Loreto lost their unbeaten record in a 2-0 defeat by Pembroke Wanderers.

Railway, then, move nine points clear at the top of the table, as their near flawless pre-Christmas campaign contrasts with that of their nearest rivals, all of whom took points off each other to allow the leaders open a formidable gap.

Saturday's win completed the double over Hermes, who Railway also beat on the opening day. Once again their pace, team-work and some clinical finishing sealed the points. Kate McKenna opened the scoring for the home side midway through the first half, turning home a rebound; the same player was denied a second soon after the break by a superb Emma Grey save.

Railway, though, doubled their lead through Jean McDonnell when she scored from the narrowest of angles with a reverse shot, and, while Hermes rallied, pulling a goal back through Christine Quinlan - only the second Railway have conceded in 10 league games - and came close to levelling, the leaders restored their two-goal advantage when Emma Smyth and Isobel Joyce combined brilliantly, Smyth finishing off the move.

Loreto, meanwhile, fell to two goals from Louisa Moore at Beaufort, despite having the better of the game. The South African had Pembroke 2-0 up by the break, and although Nikki Keegan reduced the deficit, the equaliser eluded Loreto. Pembroke goalkeeper Jane Coyne making several fine saves to deny them.