IT PROVED to be a perfect weekend for Railway Union, the club’s first team moving four points clear, with a game in hand, at the top of the Leinster first division on Saturday, before securing their place in the Jacqui Potter Cup final with a penalty strokes win over UCD yesterday.

Railway’s seconds, meanwhile, won through to the semi-finals of the Irish Junior Cup.

After beating Corinthians 4-0 at Whitechurch in the league, leaving them needing just three more wins from their five remaining games to guarantee the title, Railway turned their attention to cup matters yesterday.

Three years ago UCD beat Railway in the Leinster final, their first success in the competition since 1955, but after two of the survivors from that game, UCD’s Fiona Bradish and Railway’s Kate Dillon, exchanged first half goals there were no more scores, Railway triumphing, after extra-time, 3-1 on penalty strokes.

They will meet Jacqui Potter Cup specialists Hermes in the final, the holders – who will be seeking their fourth victory in the competition in five years on St Patrick’s Day – beating Bray 3-0 yesterday with goals from Jenny Burke, Sinéad McDonnell and Anna O’Flanagan.

There was a major upset in the Munster Senior Cup, with Bandon beating Cork Harlequins in the semi-finals, Amy Roycroft getting the only goal of the game.

Harlequins, who won the competition for 12 years in a row before their run was ended last year, were understrength for the game, but created enough chances to win it. Bandon, though, defended superbly, earning their place in the final against UCC, Hollie Moffett giving the students a 1-0 win over Catholic Institute.

After Saturday’s quarter-finals four Leinster clubs have made it through to the semi-finals of the Irish Junior Cup, Railway II drawn against Loreto II, and Old Alexandra II paired with Hermes II.