With the help of a hat-trick from the division’s top scorer Anna O’Flanagan, UCD returned to winning ways on Saturday a week after losing their 100 per cent record in a draw with Hermes.

Railway Union trailed by just a goal at half-time, but O’Flanagan all but sealed the points after the break when she got her third, the students running out 4-1 winners.

Loreto stay second, on goal difference from Pembroke Wanderers, a Nicci Daly double helping them to a comfortable 4-0 win away to Trinity, keeping them within two points of the leaders - although, they’ve played an extra game. Pembroke, meanwhile, beat North Kildare by the same scoreline, Caroline Hill getting two of their goals.

Hermes moved above Railway in to fourth thanks to an Aisling Naughton penalty stroke that settled their game against Glenanne, while Old ALexandra picked up just their third win of the season with a 4-2 victory away to Corinthian.

Munster

In Munster, Cork Harlequins prevailed in their table-topping tie against Catholic Institute, international

Cliodhna Sargent

scoring twice in their 3-1 win over Catholic Institute, former Irish captain

Rachael Kohler

also among the goals.

And in Ulster, leaders Ards made it seven wins out of eight when they beat Lurgan 3-1, but Pegasus, with two games in hand, kept the gap at six points by beating Ballymoney with a Suzanne Beaney goal.