There was some consolation for Hermes on Saturday when their 12-game winning streak in the Hockey League was brought to an end by Pegasus. The Belfast side fought back three times for a 3-3 draw, but the runaway leaders still extended their advantage at the top of the table to 13 points thanks to UCD's victory over second-placed Railway Union.

Sarah Greene gave Hermes the lead at Queens, firing home from a short corner, but Alex Speers levelled before the break with a reverse stick effort. Hermes regained their lead in the second quarter, Ellen Curran finishing off a fine team move, but the game was tied again in the third quarter when Taite Doherty turned home Kate McConnell's pass. Three minutes in to the final period Hermes again took the lead through Catriona McGilp, but Hannah Grieve's deflected short corner strike clinched Pegasus a point.

Semi-final hopes

Railway’s hopes of cementing that second place spot were scuppered by UCD, who beat them 3-2 at Park Avenue.

In their second match of the weekend, UCD picked up another three points away to UCC, winning 3-1, a result that lifted them in to second place.

Ulster Elks also collected six points, beating UCC 7-0 on Saturday and Greenfields 3-0 yesterday. They are now up to sixth, with just five points separating them and UCD, with Railway, Pegasus and Cork Harlequins in between. Harlequins’ 5-1 win over Pembroke put considerable life in to their semi-final hopes.