Such has been the level of disruption to the season so far, both Ballymoney and Pegasus are just relieved they're finally getting to play the first all-Ulster Sharwood's Irish Senior Cup final since 1992, if a little disappointed that Blaris, rather than Belfield, will be the venue tomorrow. Both coaches had expressed a desire for the game to be played in Dublin but all concerned accept the Irish Hockey Association's decision to switch the game up north as a sensible one in light of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Pegasus go into the game as overwhelming favourites, having beaten the winners of the last two Irish Senior Cups (Hermes and Harlequins) en route to the final. They remain on course for a grand slam, having won every game but one this season in all competitions, with the All-Ireland and European Club championships finals still to come.

"I can promise you that we will not underestimate Ballymoney in any way," said Pegasus coach Graham Quincey. His side won both league encounters with their opponents this season (4-1 and 3-1). Ballymoney player-coach Lynsey McVicker concedes the odds are against her club winning in only their second year in the competition, but looks to last year's final winners for inspiration. "We are complete underdogs but so were Harlequins against Hermes." Two of Ballymoney's stars have been Irish goalkeeper Angela Platt and sweeper Ruth Forgrave, both of whom were members of the Northern Ireland Universities team, coached by Graham Quincey, that won the British Championships last year.

On Sunday, Hermes will attempt to add the Leinster Senior Cup to their league title, with Loreto, their opponents, hellbent on erasing memories of their 6-1 defeat a fortnight ago, one that ended the contest for the league.