It was Leinster versus Ulster in the semi-finals of the Irish Senior Cup at Belfield on Saturday, with UCD taking on Pegasus in the first game of the day, followed by the meeting of Hermes and Ballymoney.

The winners didn’t have much time for celebrating with the final scheduled for Sunday at 1pm. This saw Hermes and Pegasus meet for the fourth time following their disposal of Ballymoney and UCD, respectively, at Belfield National Hockey Stadium.

Saturday’s game was the first of two Pegasus versus UCD semi-finals in a fortnight, the teams also paired in the Irish Hockey League. The Ulster champions tend to be marked as favourites for any game, but after their experience in the 2009 ISC final, when they lost 4-1 to the students, they’re unlikely to be taking Jonathan Harte’s side for granted. Megan Tennant-Humphreys, Caitriona McGilp and Laura Wilson are the only survivors from the starting line-up for that victory, UCD’s first in the competition for 58 years, with three more of the substitutes from that day still in the squad.

Pegasus have also seen many changes, Ireland captain Alex Speers (with Railway Union) among those to leave, but they still have the experienced Arlene Boyles, Claire McMahon and Suzanne Beaney, amongst others, who will want to avenge their ’09 defeat.

Ballymoney return to the scene of their loss in the 2005 final, with opponents Hermes the team that beat them. Hermes should be in good shape after winning the Leinster Division One title a week ago, seven new recruits during the summer revitalising a squad coached by Mary Logue. Logue was coach of UCD in ’09, her captain that day Lisa Jacob – now the Hermes captain!

Both were deserving victors but did have to endure some nervy moments, especially Pegasus who initially looked to be heading for extra-time when the students were awarded a leveller only for an umpire’s consultation to save their bacon. It meant Vanessa Surgeoner’s 15th minute goal was the sole divider as the 18 year-old enhanced her growing reputation with a near post finish after Kate McConnell’s trickery worked the opening from the right baseline.

That goal came at a time when Pegs were well on top as the students – with Niamh Atcheler in and out of the line-up with a serious leg injury – struggled to get going.

One right-wing cross had just evaded Surgeoner, dinging a post just out of reach early on, but she made no mistake with her second sight of goal.

Kirsty McCollum’s quick thinking from halfway almost led to a second, bashing into the path of a diving Claire McMahon but her deflection skimmed wide of the impressive Stella Davis’ goal.

As the half wore on, UCD finally woke from their slumber as Chloe Watkins became more influential along with the willing running of Rosie Carrigan and Rachel Burke. Watkins’ first corner flick was knocked away while, into the second half, she latched onto a loose ball which Sharon Moffett left her circle to retrieve but misjudged.

The cross, though, could not find a college stick and the chance was gone. The Ulster champions were still in the box seat but their inability to kill off the tie meant one slip could prove costly. Indeed, six second half corners produced little while clear chances from play were a rarity.

And when Caitriona McGilp found the backboard, such profligacy was almost punished but a foot in the build-up was the reason for the disallow with time running out. Arlene Boyles picked up a yellow in the final minute, too, but it proved academic for the northerners.

In the final on Sunday, Pegasus weight of experience saw the Ulster side claim their 14th Irish Senior Cup crown at Belfield yesterday, former internationals Suzanne Beaney and Arlene Boyles doing the damage with a 3-1 win.