Pembroke and Pegasus set themselves apart at the top of the women's EY Hockey League as both swooped late to record 2-1 victories over UCD and Railway Union, respectively.
Prior to the day’s action, all four of those ties were level on four points alongside Old Alex but those wins mark them out as the early front-runners after three weeks of action.
For Pembroke, it is proving something of a breakout season into the realm of contenders having picked up points against three sides in the top half already. They rolled with the punches against the students with Emma Buckley saving a stroke before falling behind to Michelle Carey’s delightful chipped deflection.
But Aisling Naughton and Orla Macken were both on the mark in the last 20 minutes to turn things around and secure the win.
Pegasus also left it late. Alex Speers got them on the right track against her former club, Railway, before Kate Lloyd popped up at the back post to make it 1-1. It remained that way until the 67th minute when Emma Quinn popped up with the winner from a corner move.
Loreto, meanwhile, recorded their first win of the campaign with an outstanding 4-1 success at Old Alex. Rebekah Fitzpatrick’s first senior goal put them 1-0 up at half-time and Sarah Torrans’ solo effort put them well clear.
Mikayla Power’s third goal of the season cut the gap but fourth quarter finishes from Siofra O’Brien and Grace Donald completed a fine success as Hannah Matthews returned to great effect.
Catholic Institute got their first win of the season, too, after two draws with Leah Clery and Naomi Carroll earning a 2-0 success against Muckross at Rosbrien.
Likewise, Belfast Harlequins are off the mark with a strong 3-0 win over their Cork namesakes. Lucy Geddes and Sophie Hunter put them on the road to success and Natalie Lyttle closed out the victory.
