WOMEN'S HOCKEY:LORETO, BALLYMONEY and defending Irish Hockey League champions Pegasus maintained their perfect starts to this season's competition on Saturday, all three clubs picking up their second wins in a fortnight.

UCD and Hermes in Pool A and Railway Union in Pool B, none of whom was in IHL action at the weekend, can also make it two wins out of two when they play their back matches on November 26th, but for now their rivals have been able to open up leads in their respective pools.

Loreto are the top points earners to date, their 6-0 win over Lurgan on Saturday, which featured a Nicci Daly hat-trick, added to round one’s 3-0 defeat of Cork Harlequins, giving them bonus points from both their outings. Ballymoney are a point behind in Pool B after beating Harlequins 3-2, Nikki Parke getting two goals.

Peagsus lead the way in Pool A after a 3-1 win over Old Alexandra at Milltown having taken a 2-0 lead, through Stephanie Quinn and Vanessa Surgeoner, in the first quarter. Alexandra fought back and they got their reward in the third quarter when Hannah McDermott pulled a goal back. Quinn restored their two-goal lead before the end of the quarter.

Catholic Institute put themselves in contention in Pool A with a 2-1 win away to Armagh. The home side led through Claire Hanna but Eimear Cregan levelled and Jane Bourke got the winner with just three minutes to go.

Railway moved to the top of the Leinster first division with a 3-0 defeat of Hermes.