Railway Union come back to earn a draw

WOMEN'S HOCKEY:RAILWAY UNION'S lead at the top of the Leinster first division was narrowed to seven points on Saturday when they drew with Old Alexandra, only the second time they have dropped points in the current campaign, but having had to come back from a goal down against a team in form it was a point gained rather than two lost by the leaders.

Alexandra, fourth in the table, took an early lead through South African international Lesley-Ann George, who impressed throughout, and held their advantage until midway through the second half when Cecilia Joyce levelled for the visitors.

Loreto and Hermes kept up the pressure on Railway with 2-0 wins over UCD and Trinity, respectively. Both were held scoreless in their first halves before breaking the deadlock after half-time.

Liz Colvin and Zara Delany got Loreto's goals - they also missed a penalty stroke - while Aoife Mitchell and Linda Caulfield clinched the points for Hermes.

Glenanne had a fine 5-0 win over Corinthian, with goals from Mary Waldron (two), Nikki Daly (two) and Audrey McCormack, a result that puts plenty of daylight - eight points, to be exact - between them and the bottom three, while Pembroke stayed in touch with the top four by beating Bray 2-0, Shona Doyle and Hilda Maguire getting their goals.