HOCKEY:Judging by their comeback against Railway Union on Saturday, Loreto are reluctant to relinquish the Leinster first division title. Their 2-1 victory at Beaufort moved them to second in the table, two points behind Pembroke Wanderers.

Railway, second in the table going in to the match, led at half-time through a Kate McKenna goal, but Jessica Lynch levelled after the break and Katie Grehan hit the winner three minutes from time when her first-time shot from a free at the top of the circle clinched the points.

Railway, then, drop to third, level on points with Hermes who kept up their challenge with a 6-0 win over bottom club Genesis.

Pembroke also maintained their winning streak against Trinity, with Wendy Hobson and Lorna Hill getting their goals in a 2-1 win.

Corinthian eased any relegation worries by beating Three Rock 4-3, putting themselves six points clear of bottom spot. Old Alexandra and UCD, meanwhile, remain in fifth and sixth in the table after their 1-1 draw.

In Munster, Church of Ireland drew level on points and games played with Cork Harlequins at the top of division one with two wins over the weekend, the first against Bandon on Saturday, followed by yesterday's defeat of Catholic Institute.