Women's Hockey European Cup Winners' Trophy: There were decidedly mixed fortunes for Ireland's representatives in the European Cup Winners' Trophy over the weekend, with Hermes remaining on course for promotion in their event in Italy, but Instonians, after two defeats in Austria, now needing to win their crossover match today to avoid relegation to the competition's third division.

Victory for Hermes today over Budejovice of the Czech Republic would put Ireland back in the A division of the women's event (the European Cup Winners' Cup).

The Irish Cup-holders finished second in their pool, level on points with hosts Villafranca but behind on goal difference, after a scoreless draw with the Italians on Saturday and a fine 3-0 defeat of Lille yesterday, in which Jenny Burke scored twice.

Instonians, though, lost both their pool matches over the weekend, the first to Czech side Bohemians Praha on Saturday 2-1.

A second-half collapse against HC Roma yesterday, in which they conceded four goals having gone in 3-3 at half-time, left the Ulster side third in their pool and out of contention for promotion.

They should, though, be too strong today for HK Marathon of Croatia, who lost 13-0 to Polish side Grunwald in their opening game.