HOCKEY: Loreto and Hermes might still be unbeaten after four games of the new Leinster season but if Saturday's results are anything to go by then we might just be in for the most interesting title chase in many a year.

Early days, of course, and that inkling has proved groundless before, the two clubs that have dominated Leinster hockey for the past decade could well prevail again, but so far, at least, there's a refreshingly competitive look to the new campaign, with Pembroke Wanderers and Old Alexandra getting off to particularly bright starts.

Having already drawn with Hermes a fortnight ago Alexandra stepped up another gear on Saturday to beat Railway Union 4-1 at Milltown, their opponents' first defeat of the season, with the ever-prolific Jeamie Deacon scoring a hat-trick, bringing her tally to eight goals in just four games.

Unbeaten Pembroke, meanwhile, put a halt to Loreto's all-winning start to the season, but probably deserved more than the point they took from the 1-1 draw at Serpentine Avenue. Stephanie Hall's second-half goal was cancelled out eight minutes from time when Sarah O'Meara's short-corner strike levelled for Loreto, the first goal Pembroke have conceded this season.

At Booterstown Hermes unexpectedly dropped two points to UCD in a scoreless draw, the students' first point of the season after 3-0 defeats to Loreto and Pembroke. Former Hermes player Christine Quinlan and Jane Bourke stood out for UCD.

Trinity, Clontarf and Three Rock all got off the points mark on Saturday, although Trinity felt aggrieved about the penalty stroke awarded to Clontarf late in their game, one Linda Watters converted to steal a 2-2 draw. An EJ Walsh goal five minutes from time gave Three Rock a draw against Corinthian.