WOMEN'S HOCKEY:UCD AND Loreto had comfortable away wins in the first round of the Irish Senior Cup on Saturday, the students putting four past Cork Harlequins without reply at Farmers Cross and Loreto going one better against Lisnagarvey at Hillsborough, with the help of a Nikki Symmons hat-trick.

The draw for the second round of the competition sends UCD back south (they’ve been paired with Munster champions Catholic Institute), while Loreto must travel north again – they play Belfast Harlequins next month.

Cup holders Pegasus proved much too strong for Leinster First Division newcomers Three Rock, Vanessa Surgeoner getting four of their seven goals, the Belfast side next playing old rivals Ballymoney, who dethroned them as Ulster champions last season.

Old Alexandra’s reward for beating Pembroke Wanderers 2-0 on Saturday is another all-Leinster tie – this time against Hermes – while Ulster sides Armagh, Queen’s and Lurgan, who beat UCC, Randalstown and Ulster Elks respectively, are paired with Glenanne, Portadown and Railway Union. Trinity, meanwhile, will be away to Corinthian next month after beating Ards on penalty strokes on Saturday.