Students outwit old masters

WOMEN'S HOCKEY IRISH SENIOR CUP FINAL UCD 4 Pegasus 1: UCD PRODUCED the most astonishing performance in recent Irish Senior Cup history as they dominated the competition's undoubted kingpins, Pegasus, at Belfield yesterday to take their first national title in 58 years.

Pre-match they were buoyed by the return of Irish international Lisa Jacob after six-week lay-off due to an ankle injury. Holly Jenkinson proved another key figure, picking off the errant Pegasus passes while Liz McInerney was peerless in midfield.

Up front, UCD were inspired with Jacob and Roisín Flinn dovetailing perfectly, aided by the rotating Rachel Burke and Rosie Carrigan. Burke laid on the first goal 16 minutes in with a pullback from the end line to Flinn and within two minutes the lead was doubled, this time from Jenkinson’s corner-strike, creeping home via Sharon Moffett’s pads.

Pegasus pulled one back two minutes after the break through Grace Irwin. And when they won a disputed penalty corner moments later the tide appeared to be turning. Arlene Boyles’ shot, though, was blocked by Grace O’Flanagan and Megan Tennant-Humphreys cleared the rebound.

Flinn squeezed in for 3-1 after Jenkinson’s initial strike had wreaked havoc. And the rout was complete as Carrigan flipped the ball past Boyles at the top of the circle before smashing past Moffett. The closing quarter was played out with relative ease, especially when Lynsey Mallon’s frustration led to the sin-bin.

UCD’s focus switches to their fight for an Irish Hockey League space for next season. Pembroke’s 2-0 win over Old Alex on Saturday means the students must win against Hermes in midweek to make it into the top five. Fifth place would ensure a berth in the wildcard playoffs next weekend at Grange Road. Pembroke’s win confirms fourth place with Alex sitting a point clear of UCD.

UCD: Grace O'Flanagan, Marie O'Connell, Megan Tennant-Humphreys, Holly Jenkinson, Caitriona McGilp, Lisa Jacob (capt), Elaine O'Neill, Laura Wilson, Orlagh O'Shea, Liz McInerney, Roisin Flinn. Subs: Fiona Bradish, Rosie Carrigan, Rachel Burke, Pamela Smithwick, Leigh Pelow, Ciara McNestry, Fyona Flinn.

PEGASUS: Sharon Moffett, Nadine Brown, Fiona McIlwaine, Jill Orbinson, Claire McMahon, Suzanne Beaney, Arlene Boyles (capt), Alex Speers, Lynsey Mallon, Michelle Harvey, Pamela Magill. Subs: Jenny Kyle, Grace Irwin, Hannah Clarke, Julie McKnight, Jessica Perry, Lyn Brown.