Railway Union have carried their impressive form from the previous season into the new EY Hockey League, starting with a strong 4-0 victory against Pembroke Wanderers. Despite missing key players like the Carey twins, Aebfhinn Burke, Katie Mullan and RoisÃn Upton, Railway Union easily sailed past their opponents, thanks to goals from Orla Fox, Niamh Shaw, Sarah Patton and newcomer Niamh Gowing.
Among other results, reigning champions Loreto defended their title by beating Ulster Elks 2-0 in Jordanstown. Old Alexandra clinched a 2-1 victory over UCD in Belfield. Promoted team UCC bravely held off Catholic Institute until the third quarter in Rosbrien, but were ultimately defeated 3-0 after Naomi Carroll broke the deadlock.
Meanwhile, Pegasus became the first team to gain an additional point through penalty run-ins in the newly introduced format, following a drawn match with Ards. Despite a double from Zara Malseed for Ards, Pegasus claimed the bonus point when Megan Todd stopped three of four attempts by Ards. Sisters Lucy and Katie McKee successfully scored their attempts.
In the Hockey League on Saturday, there were various scores across the games. Catholic Institute prevailed 3-0 against UCC thanks to goals from N Carroll, R Begley, and C Moloney. The match between UCD and Old Alexandra resulted in a 2-1 victory for the latter, with scores by A Russell and J McGrane for Old Alexandra, and M Power for UCD. Railway Union dominated Pembroke Wanderers with a 4-0 win, owing to goals from O Fox, N Shaw, S Patton, and N Gowing. Loreto triumphed over Ulster Elks by 2-0, with goals from R Kelly and C Sherin. Meanwhile, Pegasus and Ards drew 2-2, with L McKee and A Speers scoring for Pegasus, and Z Malseed netting both goals for Ards. However, Pegasus clinched an extra point in the penalty shootouts.