WOMEN'S HOCKEY:RAILWAY UNION (Pool A) and Pegasus (Pool B) remain on course for the semi-finals of the Irish Hockey League after both sides made it three wins out of three on Saturday with victories away to Ballymoney and UCC, respectively.

Last year’s finalists, Hermes and champions Loreto, revived their hopes of reaching the last four with wins in Pool B, the teams now tied on seven points, two behind Pegasus.

In Pool A Railway lead by five points from Pembroke Wanderers who drew 2-2 away to Cork Harlequins, who are a point further behind.

Railway were 2-0 up, through Kate Dillon and Cecilia Joyce, within eight minutes against Ballymoney, and, while Lynsey McVicker pulled a goal back for the hosts, the Leinster champions sealed the game and their bonus point with further scores from Isobel Joyce and Kate McKenna.

Pembroke came from behind twice to draw with Harlequins, their second equaliser an own goal – allowed under IHL rules – that goalkeeper Amy O’Neill deflected in to her own net from Sarah Clarke’s ball from deep.

Ards, meanwhile, moved within a point of Harlequins when they beat Church of Ireland 2-0 yesterday.

In Pool B, UCC came within inches of snatching a draw against Pegasus, Audrey O’Flynn’s drag-flick coming off the inside of the upright with three minutes to go when the students trailed 2-1. Arlene Boyles and Michelle Harvey had put Pegasus 2-0 up before O’Flynn halved the deficit in the 56th minute from another short corner.

Hermes went a goal down to Old Alexandra at Milltown on Saturday, Laura McCoy scoring after seven minutes, but Aoife Harte levelled from a stroke before half-time before Niamh Atcheler and Jenny Kinch clinched a crucial win after the break.

Loreto, too, picked up a much-needed victory yesterday, beating Randalstown 4-0 at Beaufort