WOMEN'S HOCKEY: With a five-point lead at the top of the table Hermes might be overwhelming favourites to retain their Leinster Division One crown this season but there's life left yet in the title race after Loreto fought back for a 1-1 draw against the champions at Beaufort yesterday, denying Hermes their 11th consecutive victory of the campaign.

Hermes took the lead after a minute when an unmarked Dawn Kelly slotted home Jill Hodgins' pass from midfield. Loreto lifted their game in the second half and were denied an equaliser in the 52th minute when Tara Browne thwarted Cathy McKean. Soon after, though, Loreto got a deserved equaliser through Orla Ryan.

On Saturday Caitriona Carey, playing her first match of the season for Hermes after taking a break from hockey, scored twice in three minutes to secure her team a 2-0 win over Pembroke Wanderers at Belfield. Next Friday the Court of Arbitration of Sport will decide if Ireland are to play in November's World Cup finals - if they rule in favour of Riet Kuper's team Carey must win a recall.

An early second-half goal from Cathy McKean gave Loreto victory over Corinthian at Whitechurch on Saturday while UCD's 4-0 victory over Railway Union maintained their challenge for All-Ireland quarter-final qualification. Old Alexandra are a point behind UCD after a 4-2 win over Trinity.

•The Leinster Hockey Umpires Association are having a training meeting for umpires, players, coaches and managers tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. at Pembroke Wanderers.