HOCKEY:THE TOP three in the Leinster first division put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack on Saturday when they all picked up wins, leaders UCD staying a point clear of Railway Union, with Loreto another behind.

Railway and Loreto had lost some ground on the students when they drew with each other last Thursday, but wins over Old Alexandra and Hermes respectively maintained their challenges.

A last-minute winner from Sinead Dooley gave Railway the points against Alexandra, Dooley having equalised earlier in the game after the hosts had taken a first minute lead through Emma Russell. Defending Leinster champions Hermes are now nine points adrift of UCD after losing 2-1 at home to Loreto, Ali Meeke getting the visitors’ winner.

Goals from Rachel O’Reilly, Anna O’Flanagan and Dora Gorman against Trinity gave UCD their eighth win in a row, leaving them the team to catch.

At the other end of the table a goal from Suzanne Mellon against Pembroke Wanderers gave Three Rock their first win of the league season, enough to lift them above Pembroke, on goal difference, from the bottom of the table.

Corinthian also moved above their opponents on Saturday, schoolgirl Sarah Quill getting their second in a 2-0 win at Glenanne.