Hermes and Ballymoney in final date

WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Two of Ireland's most experienced internationals, Lynsey McVicker and Linda Caulfield, put paid to Randalstown and Railway Union's challenge in the Irish Senior Cup on Saturday, their extra-time winners setting up a final between Ballymoney and Hermes on April 3rd at Belfield. For Hermes it will be their sixth final in nine years, this one giving them a chance to make up for last season's 2-1 defeat by Pegasus. For Ballymoney it will be their second final appearance, four years after beating Pegasus. Mary Hannigan reports

Both matches went to extra-time, both were settled in the first period, both finished 2-1. But while Railway had no complaints Randalstown felt aggrieved by the award of the short corner that led to a penalty stroke for Ballymoney (given when Susie Martin's strike was stopped on the line by Kerri Anderson's leg), a stroke McVicker converted to settle the tie.

Before then the home side had taken the lead, from a short corner, through Martin in the 23rd minute, but Randalstown levelled 14 minutes after the break, Shauna Parkhill getting the goal. McVicker clinched victory, though, near the end of the first period of extra time, coolly putting away the stroke.

And Linda Caulfield kept her composure for Hermes at Park Avenue against a Railway side that had led, through a first-half Beth Maguire goal, with 10 minutes to go. Sarah McGloughlin hit Hermes' 60th-minute equaliser and the All-Ireland league champions prevailed in added time when Caulfield fired home.

Hermes' hopes of winning the Leinster League first division title all but evaporated at the weekend when leaders Loreto took six points out of six from their two games (against Genesis and Three Rock). Loreto will retain the title if they beat Pembroke Wanderers next weekend - they may even clinch it on Wednesday night if UCD beat Hermes.