Pembroke Wanderers and Loreto might still be mathematically in the race for the Leinster first division title, but after Saturday's results it would take an unlikely turnaround to deny one of Hermes, UCD and Railway Union the crown.

Pembroke needed to beat Railway to keep their hopes realistically alive, but a 1-1 draw leaves them five points short of leaders Hermes’ total with just two games to play. Loreto, 1-0 winners against North Kildare, are a further point adrift.

So, it’s more likely going to be a three-way battle over the final two games between Hermes (36 points), UCD (34) and Railway (34). Eimear Horan, Caitríona McGilp and Sinead Loughran got the goals for Hermes in a 3-1 win against Trinity to keep them on course, despite the absence of their internationals at Ireland training camp.

UCD, worst hit of all by the absences of their Ireland players, defeated Old Alexandra, 4-1, allowing them leapfrog Railway in to second place on goal difference. The contenders remaining games - Hermes: N Kildare (A), Loreto (H); UCD: Corinthian (H), Railway (A); Railway: Glenanne (A), UCD (H). l In Ulster, Ards took another giant step towards the title when they beat Lurgan 6-1 while Ulster Elks only drew 1-1 with struggling Lisnagarvey.