rolled over Cardinals 2-0 at Nationals on the weekend despite being without some of their key players.

Cardinals were passing better and hustling to the ball more than their fancied opponents but were unable to find the net. And while Canaries were forced to play defensively for a large part of the first half, it was they who broke the deadlock.

From a short corner, Rhonda Rawlins made a clean pass to Lisa DeSilva who scored with a crisp first time shot.

The second goal was almost a repeat of the first as DeSilva netted again to seal her team's 17th win in 18 matches.

Second-placed Swallows were held to a 1-1 draw by second-from-bottom Swifts who were outstanding defensively. Swallows dominated the game but were unable to score during the first half despite firing numerous shots on goal and earning a string of short corners.

Sharmani Thamotheram and Alex Lewis enjoyed outstanding games in the Swifts defence and put a halt to several breakaways by the Swallows forwards.

Swifts finally took the lead in the second half when loose defending allowed captain Megan Leitch to fire home from a short corner.

But Swallows replied soon after with a goal through Cath Griffiths.

Bottom team Orioles pulled off the surprise result of the day, beating Bluebirds 1-0.

In B League action, Cardinals trounced Canaries 8-2 to maintain a five-point lead in the standings.

Despite playing one player short for the first 10 minutes, Cardinals were always in control.

Suelan Veal took advantage of an open goal and an exposed 'keeper to open the scoring for Cardinals. But Canaries quickly equalised as Jessica Sousa had her moment of glory with a beautiful shot from an awkward angle.

Heather Spinney then netted twice to extend Cardinals' lead as she played off the 'keeper's pads and picked up rebounds.

But it was Jamie McKenna who shone brightest as she fired a hat-trick with Veal netting her second goal with a penalty flick.

Swallows and Swifts met for the final time this season, each eager for a victory that would keep the pressure on Cardinals for the league championship.

And it was Swallows who prevailed with a goal from Annaka Rubridge in the first few minutes deciding the issue. Rubridge deflected Sharon Quigley's cross into the net.

That goal stood as the winner although Swallows dominated for the next 15 minutes before they slackened off late in the half, allowing Swifts some good breaks and a number of short corners.

Orioles again produced a shock, beating Bluebirds 2-0 for their second win in the league.