Loreto stay on course

Women's hockey: Loreto bounced back in some style over the weekend to bury the memory of last week's Irish Cup exit, beating Corinthian 4-0 on Saturday to remain on course for retaining their league title and then getting the better of Railway Union in a thrilling Leinster Cup semi-final yesterday to reach their fourth final in as many years.

And, just for good measure, the club's seconds reached the final of the Irish Junior Cup, beating holders Pegasus II at Beaufort on Saturday.

Loreto's biggest test of the weekend, though, was provided by Railway who twice led at Grange Road yesterday before finally losing out 4-3. Cathy McKean gave the cup holders the lead but Beth Maguire and Kate Dillon scored before the break to put Railway 2-1 up. McKean levelled a minute in to the second half but, again, Railway rallied to regain the lead, this time through Karen Clarke.

Two Orla Ryan goals, however, clinched the semi-final for Loreto. The first came just a minute after Clarke's goal, the second a reverse stick strike that sealed the win. Loreto will meet Hermes in the final on St Patrick's Day.

On Saturday Sarah Scott proved to be Loreto's star player in Saturday's 4-0 league win over Corinthian, scoring twice and setting up the final goal, scored by Ryan.

Hermes, though, kept the pressure on the leaders by winning both their games over the weekend, reducing Loreto's lead to four points. They had to come from behind on Saturday to beat Old Alexandra, who took the lead through Trish Conway, with Linda Caulfield and Caitriona Carey scoring in each half. They made it six points out of six yesterday with a 3-0 defeat of Corinthian, Jenny Burke (two) and Carol Devine getting the goals.

Railway took full advantage - beating Clontarf 4-0 on Saturday - of Alexandra's defeat to move five points clear in third place, with a game in hand on Hermes (who they trail by six points). UCD, meanwhile, continued their recent resurgence, moving up to fifth place with a 2-1 win over Pembroke Wanderers. Three Rock's draw with Genesis, combined with Clontarf's defeat, guarantees them first division hockey next season.

Goals from Niamh Smith, Niamh Small and Sinead Hayes gave Loreto II a surprisingly comfortable win over Pegasus II in the Irish Junior Cup semi-finals - they will meet Old Alexandra II, 2-0 winners over Cork Harlequins II, in April's final.