All Ireland hockey league Sunday round-up as Elks record only Ulster victory… results, scorers and standings

ULSTER Elks were the only Ulster winners in Sunday’s round five of the EY All Ireland hockey league. Elks bounced back from Saturday’s defeat by Pembroke to score a 2-1 win over UCD.

Pegasus, however, were held 1-1 by UCC who won the bonus point shootout while Ards lost 2-1 at home to Catholic Institute.

The arrival of Storm Ashley meant challenging conditions for the women’s sides as they all played their second games of the weekend.

Loreto extended their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 victory over Railway Union. The sides were locked at 0-0 at half time having both produced their fair share of opportunities in the opening 35 minutes. Loreto, however, made the necessary adjustments to take control of the game, with goals from Christina Hamill and Siofra O’Brien giving the home side the win.

Old Alex produced an emphatic comeback in Alexandra College. Pembroke Wanderers looked as if they were about to have a perfect weekend as they lead 2-1 going into the closing stages of the game, thanks to goals from Christine Powell and Amy Kate Trevor. Old Alex had other ideas as Millie O’Donnell put her side level in the 64th minute before Abigail Russell kept her composure to score from a penalty corner to win the game.

Bolstered by the confidence of their draw against Ards, UCC secured another two points against Pegasus to make it four from a possible six in what looked like a very tricky away weekend for the Cork students. Anna Pim was yet again amongst the goals for Pegasus, converting a penalty corner to break the deadlock. UCC’s Micaela Sanderson scored in the dying moments of the game to grab a draw and take the match to penalty shootouts, which UCC went on to win 3-2.

A quickfire duo of goals were enough to see Catholic Institute beat Ards in Londonderry Park. A penalty corner goal each for Eimear Ryan and Seodhna Dervan in the 11th and 12th minute gave CI the lead. Ards scored late to make it a nervy final two minutes, but Catholic Institute held firm to win the game.

Ulster Elks recovered from their disappointing Saturday result to win the battle of the universities against UCD. The home side went 2-0 up thanks to a five-minute brace from captain Gabriella Scott. UCD made their way back into the game just a minute later when Lauren Moore scored in the 59th minute. A comeback wasn’t to be, with Ulster Elks managing to see out the game.

Following the double weekend, Loreto sit comfortably at the top of the table with 15pts, with Catholic Institute four points behind them on 11, and Old Alex hot on their heels on 10. Ulster Elks and Pegasus occupy the fourth and fifth spots on 8pts each. Ards drop to sixth with 7 points, with Railway Union and Pembroke behind them on 6pts and 5pts, respectively. UCD fall to bottom after their two defeats, with just a point to their name, while UCC duo of bonus point draws takes them up to ninth on 4pts.

Pegasus 1 [2] – 1 [3] UCC

UCC secure drawing bonus point in Penalty Shoot-Out

Pegasus Scorers: Anna Pim 60’ (PC)

UCC Scorers: Micaela Sanderson 70’ (FG)

Ards 1 – 2 Catholic Institute

Ards Scorers: Amy Benson 5’ (FG).

Catholic Institute Scorers: Eimear Ryan 5’ (PC), Seodhna Dervan 14’ (PC).

Ulster Elks 2 – 1 UCD

Ulster Elks Scorers: Gabriella Scott 53’ (PS), 58’ (PC).

UCD Scorers: Lauren Moore 59’ (FG).

Old Alex 3 – 2 Pembroke

Old Alex Scorers: Abigail Russell 4’ (PC), 65’ (FG), Emily O’Donnell 62’ (PC).