Muller pleased despite final loss

Women's Hockey: A 3-0 DEFEAT by their hosts in Wellington marked the end of Ireland's brief trip to New Zealand, with coach Gene Muller insisting that the journey, including four games in seven days, was "critical" in the side's build-up to next month's Olympic Qualifier.

Muller did, though, admit that the team's tiredness showed in their final match, in which they conceded the opening goal to New Zealand on 20 minutes, and two more after the break (43rd and 65th minutes), the third a penalty stroke.

"We were very fatigued today and it showed," he said, "but the tournament was critical in our team's preparation because we played four very challenging matches (against New Zealand and China). We produced some good hockey without any injuries, so this was a huge step forward for us."

Belfast Harlequins' Jenny McDonough won her 100th cap in the game, following Ulster team-mate Bridget McKeever in the century club after the Ballymoney defender reached the 100 mark in the first game of the tour against China.

Back home, it's as you were in the Leinster first division with the top four sides all winning on Saturday. Pembroke maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table by beating Genesis 4-0, with Railway Union (5-2 winners over Corinthian), Hermes (who beat UCD 2-0) and Loreto (2-1 winners over Old Alexandra) all keeping up the pressure on the leaders.