Pembroke drew 2-2 with Monkstown in a big battle in the Irish women’s EY Hockey League as they remain in sixth place a month out from the ABN AMRO EHL FINAL8.

They fell behind in the first half when Rebecca Carthy finished off a flowing move for Town but Pembroke bounced back in the third quarter.

Emily Beatty swept home from mid-circle and then Sally Campbell (pictured) picked out the top corner with a brilliant finish when a long ball ricocheted her way. 

Chloe Watkins, however, rocketed a backhand shot into the goal from a penalty corner second phase to make it 2-2. 

At the top, it remains incredibly tight with four teams covered by a single point. Loreto and UCD drew 2-2 on Saturday and they are joined by Catholic Institute on 29 points but with a game extra played.

That is because the Limerick side were only able to pick up one point from their two games over the weekend – a 2-2 draw with Ards and 4-2 defeat to Railway Union.

Old Alex, meanwhile, are in fourth place following wins over Railway and Ards from their double-weekend.

In the Irish men’s league, Lisnagarvey moved within a point of Banbridge thanks to a 2-1 away win over YMCA. Bann’s Friday night fixture against Instonians fell victim to the cold weather while they let in two late goals to draw 4-4 with Glenanne but they still have a game in hand over Garvey in the title run-in.

Three Rock Rovers beat Monkstown 3-2 on Saturday and Cookstown 6-1 on Sunday to guarantee a playoff place Glenanne defeated Pembroke on Saturday 3-1. Those results mean the relegation places are already confirmed with Pembroke and Cookstown dropping down.