Catholic Institute's relentless run of form cut the gap at the top of the women’s EY Hockey League on Saturday evening to just two points as the Limerick side made it six wins in succession.
Naomi Carroll bagged the crucial goal in a tense battle at Rosbrien for a 1-0 success against Pegasus as they continued their immaculate home form – they now have seven wins and a draw at their base this term.
In the end, they had to withstand a big Pegs’ onslaught to stay clear but they can now potentially go top on Sunday evening when they meet Railway Union at Park Avenue (5pm).
Pembroke, meanwhile, drew for the third time in four outings as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Railway Union, a result which has seen their lead reduced from eight points down to two.
The key moment came from a late penalty stroke with Gillian Pinder hitting the base of the post to see her side denied all the points.
As such, the meeting at Rosbrien between Pembroke and Catholic Institute in two weeks' time could be a potential title decider.
Old Alex kept up their fine run with 10 points from the last 12 available as they held off Muckross 3-2 in Milltown. Niamh Sweeney and Russell sisters Emma and Abbie all scored in the first 21 minutes before Muckross got two back in the second half.
Loreto moved into the top four with a composed 2-0 win over Belfast Harlequins, Sarah Torrans and Yasmin Pratt getting the crucial goals.
UCD moved into the last of the EY Champions Trophy playoff spots on goal difference ahead of seventh-placed Railway Union after the students defeated Cork Harlequins 4-1, coming back from a goal down.
In EYHL2, Monkstown and Ards are mathematically assured of a promotion playoff of some description.
For Ards in group one, Ellen Robinson and Abi O’Mahony traded first half goals but Zara Malseed and Ali Carson saw Ards home.
They remain five points ahead of Corinthian – 3-2 winners over Galway – in the chase for top spot in this group phase, a position which brings a bye through the first round of the playoff series.
In group two, Cork C of I moved into the playoff places in after a 3-2 away win over Cork C of I. The Cork side had built a two-goal lead only for Lurgan to fight back and level at 2-2 with Jo-Anne Reid and Julie Morrow striking.
But Anna Collins got what could be a vital winner to move above Lurgan. Monkstown look home and hosed in top spot after a sixth successive win, beating NUIG 7-0.
