Rivalry enough to warrant lively affair

WOMEN'S HOCKEY:For the fourth time in seven years Hermes and Loreto meet in the Leinster Jacqui Potter Cup final at Grange Road, and while both clubs might have their eyes on bigger prizes this season the rivalry between them is usually enough to guarantee a lively St Patrick's Day final.

Hermes have won the last two Leinster final meetings between the teams, in 2005 and 2002, the 2002 triumph their first in the competition since 1978 - the year before Loreto bridged precisely the same 24-year gap when they prevailed in extra-time.

The league results between the teams rarely have any bearing on the outcome of their cup meetings but, for what it's worth, Loreto beaten Hermes at Beaufort in December (2-0) before drawing with them in Booterstown last month.

Those results have helped give Loreto a five-point lead over the reigning Leinster champions, who have a game in hand, with Old Alexandra sandwiched in between.

Meanwhile, Church of Ireland will attempt to loosen Cork Harlequins' extraordinary 11-year stranglehold on the Munster Senior Cup when the teams meet at Farmers Cross tomorrow.

Leinster Jacqui Potter Cup final (at Grange Road) - Tomorrow:Hermes v Loreto, 11.0. Munster Cup final (at Farmers Cross) - Tomorrow:Cork Harlequins v Church of Ireland, 1.0.