DRAWING 0-0 with Torino in Gibraltar yesterday, Instonians have reached hockey's European Cup Winners' Cup B division final and have earned a berth for Lisnagarvey or Avoca in next year's A division.
Instonians, who had beaten Cobra Vienna 1-0 and Llanishen of Wales 2-1, now tackle free scoring Pocztowiec of Poland, who trounced HC Portugal 8-1, Gibraltar Eagles 8-0 and Royal Leopold 5-1. It will be a heartening achievement if Paul Hollway can lead the Ulstermen to victory.
In women's circles, Pegasus overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to defeat top ranked Berliner HC 2-1 in Rotterdam yesterday to secure their first victory of the A Division series in the Cup Winners' Cup.
Already without the considerable - influence of injured international Claire McMahon, the Belfast side were dealt a further blow on Saturday when team captain Jeanette Turner sustained a broken nose in the 2-0 defeat by Sardinero from Italy.
However, displaying admirable courage, Turner had the satisfaction of scoring the winning goal yesterday from a 54th minute penalty corner after Nadine Long had cancelled out Berliner's first half opener.
Pegasus will meet Italian side Libertis San Saba today when victory would mean fifth place and survival in the top flight for next season's Irish representatives.
