Russell’s early double proves enough for UCD

ABBIE RUSSELL’S early double saw UCD continue their sharp learning curve as they beat Loreto 2-0 in the women’s EY Hockey League on Saturday in the weekend’s big tie.

It was the meeting between the EYHL regular season and Irish Senior Cup champions, UCD, and the Champions Trophy winners Loreto.

Despite those credentials, the student side have a vastly different line-up this year, Miles Warren fielding nine new players already this term.

As such, this big battle could have been too early in their development, but the backline of Orla Patton, Suzie Kelly and Leah McGuire were superb when given a lead to protect.

That advantage came just three minutes in when Ellen Curran – back after a tonsillectomy – picked out Russell at the back post to control and finish.

The diminutive striker added a brilliant second 20 minutes in from a pitchlength attack, finishing off with a sliding reverse from Niamh Carey’s pass.

It keeps UCD in the early frame, but Pegasus look the side to catch after their 4-0 win over Ards.

Elsewhere, Old Alex’s fine start to the season continued as Aine Connery got a hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Muckross.

Pembroke and Cork Harlequins recorded their first wins of the campaign, with victories over Railway Union (2-0) and Belfast Harlequins (3-0) respectively.

On the men’s side, Three Rock Rovers showed no Euro hangover as they recorded a 4-1 win over Lisnagarvey.

Luke Madeley and Conor Empey’s set-piece goals produced a 2-0 half-time lead and an excellent Mitch Darling goal put them well clear.

Banbridge are the leaders, with three wins from four, as they ground out a 2-1 win over basement side YMCA.

Glenanne remain unbeaten, as they scored the last four goals in the second half against Pembroke, making it 6-2 after the first half ended locked at 2-2.