It's only two seasons since Muckross won their sixth Leinster Senior A title in a row but evidence of just how difficult the club is finding it to rebuild after the loss of most of the players from that period was provided by their 8-1 defeat by Old Alexandra on Saturday afternoon.

Trish Conway helped herself to a hat-trick - bringing her season's tally to eight in just three games - and ensured Alexandra stay top of the table, three points clear of Hermes (who have played one game less) and Pembroke Wanderers. A second-half short corner strike from Jenny Burke gave Hermes a 2-1 win over Loreto, who had levelled in the first half through Cathy McKean after Aisling Keane had given Hermes the lead.