In the Legacy Wealth Management Premier League, Queen’s University got back to winning ways as they beat Banbridge 4-0 at Havelock Park.
The reigning champions dropped points for the first time this season in a 1-1 draw with Portadown last week but took all three points with a goal in each quarter on Saturday.
Megan Cochrane opened the scoring with as she reacted quickest to a loose ball in the circle following a penalty corner.
Two goals from Jodie Simmons and Eva Gaston put extended the university outfits lead to 3-0 going into the final quarter before Cochrane got her second of the afternoon, rounding off a fine team move.
The win keeps Simon Bell’s side top of the division and two points clear of nearest title rivals Portadown.
At Comber Road, Lisnagarvey left it late to beat Omagh 2-1 and move up to fourth place in the table.
Scarlett Swann opened the scoring in the first quarter, netting her fifth goal of the campaign from a penalty corner.
However, they couldn’t hold on to their lead as Aimee Buchanan netted from the top of the circle in the 56th minute to equalise.
Then, with just seconds left on the clock, youngster Chrissy Hopkins netted from a second Garvey penalty corner to snatch all three points for her side.
Elsewhere, Armagh and Ballymoney had to share the spoils as they played out a six-goal thriller to draw 3-3.
The visitors took the lead after just two minutes through Olivia Linton before further goals from Koren Ferguson and Kathryn Bryan in the second half.
However, goals from Scarlett Taylor, Hannah Redmond and Mia Taylor saw the sides prove to be inseparable as they left with a point a piece.
The result leaves Armagh seventh in the table, three points ahead of Saturday’s opponents in ninth.
The final game on Saturday saw Lurgan earn a convincing 3-1 win against Mossley.
Three goals from Lydia McNeill, Chloe McCann and Danielle Ervine sealed the win despite a Abbie Braniff penalty corner.
The win keeps Andy Brown’s side in third following a third win on the bounce, whilst Mossley drop to eighth place.
On Friday night Portadown continued their strong start to the season as they beat Belfast Harlequins 2-1.
Goalless until the third quarter, the deadlock was finally broken after Katie Herron won the ball back in the Quins defensive quarter before forcing Suzie Taylor into a save before Evie Girvan converted at the second attempt.
With just seven minutes remaining Serena Campuzano picked out Girvan on the counter-attack and she rounded the goalkeeper for her second of the evening.
Immediately from the restart, Alyssa Jebb found herself one vs one with Portadown shot-stopper Leah Rodgers and netted her fourth goal of the season but there wasn’t enough time for an equaliser as their hosts held out for all three points.
PHOTO: Front Row Union
