WOMEN'S HOCKEY:  The ubiquitous Kathryn Henderson was a key figure for Pembroke Wanderers on Saturday as both the first and second XIs advanced to the quarter-finals of the Leinster Senior Cup. It was also a day to relish for Clontarf, who eliminated first division side Genesis.

Henderson, coming off the bench in extra-time, combined with Clara Hayes to send Vivienne Doran through for the senior team's winner against Old Alexandra at Serpentine Avenue.

Kathryn (wife of Ireland men's captain Nigel Henderson) then travelled to Grange Road where, seizing on a free from Brenda Duggan, she earned victory for the second XI, also by 2-1 in a prolonged contest against Three Rock.

In the earlier plum match of the second round, it seemed Pembroke were capable of securing their passage in normal time, for they quickly took the lead when Orla Bell set up Wendy Hobson to get a finishing touch.

Alexandra found some rhythm, however, for Trish Conway to force an equaliser from a penalty stroke to make it 1-1 at the interval. Pembroke put on most of the pressure in the second half but were repulsed, notably, by Shauna Fry, until the finely worked decisive goal came in the 82nd minute.

The mixed blessing for Pembroke is a home tie with UCD in the top match of the next stage on January 4th. Trinity have also survived but now must face top-notch Hermes, These are thriving times for Clontarf, the second division leaders, who remained in contention in the knock-out competition through their 2-1 win over Genesis at Dardistown.

The goals came from sisters Deirdre O'Brien and Grainne Leahy at the same time as brothers Ross and Craig McMullen were the strikers in the men's team's 2-1 defeat of Portrane in the Irish Senior Cup.

A further boost for Clontarf is that work on the laying of an astro pitch at Mount Temple is due to start after Christmas.