HOCKEY: Irish midfielder Jill Orbinson will miss much of the rest of the season as she attempts to recover from the shoulder injury that hampered her during Ireland's World Cup campaign. The news is a blow to Portadown, already having a disappointing season, on the eve of their Ulster Shield semi-final meeting with Pegasus.

Randalstown and Belfast Harlequins meet in the second semi-final, having had their league fixtures postponed midweek due to the weather.

Both clubs are still in contention for a top-three finish (along with Ballymoney), behind Pegasus, in the first phase of the campaign but will now have to wait until after Christmas before the fixtures can be played.

Loreto, Hermes and Pembroke Wanderers are certain of at least a play-off place for entry to the club quarter-finals after finishing in the top three after the first nine games of the campaign.

ULSTER SHIELD - Semi-finals: Portadown v Pegasus, Deramore, 1.0; Randalstown v Belfast Harlequins, Queens, 1.0.

ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE - Section One: UUJ v Ards, UUJ, 2.30.