Ballymoney face difficult assignment

WOMEN'S HOCKEY: THEY'VE ALREADY finished runners-up to Pegasus twice this season, in the Ulster Shield and League, so Ballymoney are under no illusions about the size of their task when they meet the holders in Sunday's ESB Irish Senior Cup final at Belfield (RTÉ 2, 3.40).

They may, however, draw inspiration from the greatest day in the club's 55-year history, when they beat Pegasus on penalty strokes after the drawn 2001 final, the last all-Ulster final in the competition.

As Ballymoney coach Harry McNeill put it, "Let's not beat about the bush - Pegasus are the best team in Ireland and will take some beating."

As in the 2005 final, when they lost on strokes to Hermes, Ballymoney will be without their captain and short-corner specialist Ruth Sutherland, who for religious reasons does not play on Sundays.

But they include the experienced former Ireland captain Lynsey McVicker, who got their winner against Hermes in the quarter-finals.

Nikki McCaughern (who scored twice in the 2005 final), Diane McNeill and the under-18 international Megan Frazer should also give the underdogs a goal threat.

But Pegasus are vastly experienced. Arlene Boyles and Claire McMahon, both of whom earned over 100 Irish caps, are as prolific as ever in front of goal, as is Suzanne Beaney, another retired international.

The cup final is just one of several big games this weekend,among them Glenanne v Railway Union II in the Irish Junior Cup final at Belfield tomorrow.

On the league front Church of Ireland are just 70 minutes away from ending Cork Harlequins' 12-year reign as Munster champions, but to clinch the title they must beat Harlequins at Garryduff tomorrow. C of I are three points clear but Harlequins have a game in hand (against Catholic Institute) - if the teams finish level on points there will be a title play-off.

In Leinster the key game is the visit of the leaders, Pembroke Wanderers, to Railway Union.

Hermes, in second place, are at home to Old Alexandra, and Loreto, in third, host Trinity.

Meanwhile Ireland play three matches against Britain at Belfield, starting this evening. Coach Gene Muller is due to name his squad early next week for next month's Olympic Qualifier.

TODAY - Senior International: Ireland v Britain, Belfield, 7.30. Under-16: Belgium v Ireland, Auderghem, 4.0.

SATURDAY - Senior international: Ireland v Britain, Belfield, 5.0. Irish Junior Cup final: Glenanne v Railway Union II, Belfield, 12.0. Leinster League - Division One: Hermes v Old Alexandra, Booterstown, 1.0; Corinthian v UCD, Whitechurch, 1.15; Loreto v Trinity, Beaufort, 2.15; Railway Union v Pembroke Wanderers, Sandymount, 3.30; Three Rock v Genesis, Grange Road, 4.45. Division Two: Clontarf v Hermes II, Clontarf, 10.45; Bray v Suttonians, Bray, 2.30; Corinthian II v Old Alexandra II, Whitechurch, 4.0.

Munster League - Division One: Church of Ireland v Cork Harlequins, Garryduff, 1.15; UCC v Catholic Institute, Mardyke, 11.30; Ashton v Belvedere, Ashton, 12.00; Univ of Limerick v Bandon, UL, TBC.

SUNDAY - Senior international: Ireland v Britain, Belfield 10.30. Irish Senior Cup final: Ballymoney v Pegasus, Belfield, 3.45.

Leinster League - Division One: Three Rock v Old Alexandra, Grange Road, 3.0. Division Two: Hermes II v Loreto II, Booterstown, 2.0.