ONCE again Muckross have reigned supreme in women's hockey in Leinster but there is little time for celebration as the league and cup holders must now turn their attentions to the All-Ireland play-offs in Belfast at the bend of April.

Although pleased with his side's progress so far, Muckross coach Ian Steep leaves no doubt as to his ambitions for the club in Belfast: "If we do not win the league finals after failing to win the Irish cup, there will definitely be a sense of unfulfilment," he said

Muckross have certainly been impressive this year; they only dropped five points in the league and indeed, two of those were lost in the opening game of the season when a number of their players were representing Ireland in America.

They have amassed 44 goals in 17 league games, conceding only one. Yet, tough taskmaster Steep, is not fully satisfied: "We create a huge amount of chances, our big problem is to convert them," he said. Steep puts this down to the fact that they do not score from enough snap shots at the top of the circle.

Meanwhile, Ireland's under-18 and under-16 teams failed to retain the home international titles. Both teams were beaten by England, the winners in both championships.