Queen’s University reduced the gap at the top of the Legacy Wealth Management Premier League to just goals scored as they beat Omagh 6-0 on Saturday.
The university side have dropped points just twice this season and maintain their unbeaten record in league and cup action this season.
The rampant students got off to a flying start, earning a 4-0 lead by the half time break with goals from Jodie Simmons (2), Megan Cochrane and Ellie Edwards.
Not settling for four, the side added two more goals in the second half with Zoe Wilson netting her ninth goal of the season before captain Jenna McCarlie rounded off the scoring from open play.
In the Denman Shield, Ulster Elks became the first side to progress to the next round as they beat EYHL rivals Pegasus 2-0 at UUJ.
Zahra Lowry opened the scoring as she was left unmarked at the back post before tapping into an empty goal meanwhile Bethany Scott later doubled the advantage as her deflected effort found the net.
The win secured a 4-2 aggregate win for the university side and books their place in the knockout stages.
At Deramore Park, Belfast Harlequins and Portadown were forced to share the spoils as they played out an entertaining 3-3 draw.
After a goalless first half, it was Portadown who broke the deadlock just two minutes into the third quarter as top scorer Evie Girvan intercepted a loose pass before her reverse effort found the net.
Just moments later the forward was on hand to deflect in a second Portadown goal and give her side a comfortable lead, however, efforts from Katie Larmour and Megan Getty saw the hosts promptly draw level.
With Portadown temporarily reduced to ten, Harlequins thought they had completed the comeback as Claire Whiteside gave her side the lead for the first time in the fixture.
Unfortunately for the hosts, their visitors had time to grab one more goal as Leah Galbraith converted from a penalty corner to snatch a late equaliser for her side.
Having earned a point, Portadown must now wait for the result of Belfast Harlequins against Ards to find out whether or not they progress to the knockout stages with a win for the Quins enough to seal their own progression.
The final game of the afternoon saw Lisnagarvey get their first points of the competition as they beat Ballymoney 3-0.
Despite the win, the side are still unlikely to progress to the knockout stages as they sit level on points with the Queen’s University but having played all their group games.
Meanwhile, on Friday night, Lurgan got their first win of the competition as they secured a narrow 1-0 win at home to Premier League rivals Mossley.
PHOTO: Front Row Union
