Front runners maintain unbeaten records

UCD, Railway Union and Loreto cruise to victory

Last year’s Irish Junior Cup finalists Lisnagarvey lost 2-1 to Belfast Harlequins. Photograph: Inpho/Ryan Byrne
Last year’s Irish Junior Cup finalists Lisnagarvey lost 2-1 to Belfast Harlequins. Photograph: Inpho/Ryan Byrne


It's as you were at the top of the Leinster first division after UCD, Railway Union and Loreto all maintained their unbeaten records on Saturday, Railway's 3-1 victory over Pembroke Wanderers the pick of the leading trio's wins.

Before Saturday, Pembroke had the best defensive record in the division, having conceded just three goals in six games. But Emer Lucey, Kate Lloyd and Kate Dillon combined to match that tally to seal the points for Railway.

Leaders UCD, meanwhile, eased to a 5-1 win over bottom of the table North Kildare, Nikki Evans, Katie Mullan, Deirdre Duke, Emily Beatty and Aisling Naughton getting their goals, while Loreto, level with Railway and two points behind the students, had a similarly comfortable afternoon, beating Trinity 5-0.

Hermes moved above Pembroke into fourth, a goal proving enough to beat Glenanne. Corinthian were beaten on Saturday by Old Alexandra, the margin being a single goal.

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In the Irish Junior Cup, an Elaine Thompson double helped Pembroke on their way to a 4-2 win away to Randalstown but Lisnagarvey, the team they beat in last season's final, lost 2-1 to Belfast Harlequins. It was a productive first round for Munster clubs, UCC, Church of Ireland and Cork Harlequins beating Railway, Alexandra and Ulster Elks, respectively.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times