Hockey: Leinster's hopes of winning only their second senior men's interprovincial title in nine years took a mauling at Hillsborough last night when they lost 4-2 to defending champions Ulster in the opening game of the tournament, writes Mary Hannigan.

Timmy Cockram scored twice, with Steven Redpath and Andy Barbour adding one apiece, while Alan Sothern and Justin Sherriff got Leinster's goals.

Title holders Ulster beat Connacht 3-0 in the opening match of the women's event, with Claire Parkhill and Susie Martin (two) getting the goals. Later in the evening Leinster and Munster drew 1-1.