GLENANNE came within seven minutes of ruining Hermes' hopes of closing the gap at the top of the Leinster Senior League when they proved spirited opponents in Saturday's match at Belfield.

Daphne Sixsmith's goal from a penalty corner finally secured the three points at the end of a frustrating day for Hermes who now move to within one point of league leaders Muckross.

A string of wasted penalty corners, the absence of international striker Jenny Burke - on holiday in America - from the Hermes attack and dogged defending almost combined to give Glenanne a point to ease their relegation fears but Sixsmith's goal ended Hermes' year on a high and they are now well placed to challenge for the League title in the new year.

Trinity also ended the first half of their season with a win over Pembroke Wanderers at Belfield - Anya Bowers and Zanya Dahl scored the goals in a 2-1 victory. Meanwhile, Irish captain Jeanette Turner scored six goals in a 14-0 thrashing of Coleraine by Pegasus in the Ulster Senior League, with fellow international Claire McMahon picking up a hat-trick in the same match.