WOMEN'S HOCKEY IRISH SENIOR CUP:WITH THE exception of a 4-2 victory for Pegasus over Randalstown, Saturday's ESB Irish Senior Cup second round ties proved to be the closest of affairs, with six of the eight games finishing 2-1 and cup holders UCD beating Bray 1-0 with an extra-time golden goal.
Railway Union came from behind to beat Hermes at Booterstown, Emma Smyth scoring a sublime second-half winner with a chip over goalkeeper Emma Gray. By then Jenny Burke had given the hosts the lead with a beautifully struck shot from the right of the circle, Cecelia Joyce levelling for Railway before the break.
The Leinster champions have been drawn away to Ards, 2-1 winners over UCC on Saturday, in the quarter-finals, three weeks after beating the same opposition 4-1 at home in the Irish Hockey League.
Loreto will have home advantage against Pembroke Wanderers in the last eight, a golden goal from Niamh Small two minutes in to extra-time giving the Beaufort club victory over Armagh.
Shona Doyle and Hilda Maguire, meanwhile, got the goals that put Pembroke through against Glenanne.
Cork Harlequins fought back to beat Old Alexandra at Garryduff, the match switched to Church of Ireland’s ground after the Farmers’ Cross pitch was flooded.
Lucy Cotter had given Alexandra a 10th minute lead, but Cliodhna Sargent equalised from a short corner before Karen Bateman got the winner in the second half.
Harlequins are away to UCD in the quarter-finals, the students finally seeing off the brave resistance of Bray with a golden goal from Kerry McComish.
The quarter-final draw was completed by what will be a repeat of last season’s semi-final, this time Ballymoney – 2-1 winners over Lisnagarvey on Saturday – given home advantage over Pegasus.
