Few could have predicted a more convincing victory. Last year, the Wildcats regained the cup title by a point. Yesterday they defended it with an indisputable margin.

By the end of the weekend, it was hard to believe that the Waterford club have only recently made a habit of cup victories. After years of heartache, they took their first title in 1998 and have now won three in the last four years.

So much of that has do with confidence. Tolka Rovers may be the league champions, but a fortnight ago the Wildcats handed them the sort of defeat that takes a whole season to get over. Now their season is over.

And it puts the Wildcats on course for the double. Jillian Hayes may have plans to retire, but coach Steven Eberly won't be short of reasons to tempt her back. Still not in prime condition due to recent a recent foot operation, Hayes ended up with a 14-point contribution.

For further inspiration, the Wildcats only had to glance at Catriona White. White produced another memorable display at the National Arena. Compiling 16 points, with four immaculate three-pointers, she ended up the games' MVP.

It was clear from the start all was not well in the Tolka bench. Trailing 37-18 at the half, they appeared void of all motivation. "We were definitely a little tired from the game on Saturday night," admitted coach Maeve Coleman. "Our starting five were struggling from that start."

For Eberly, however, the victory couldn't have been more satisfying: "As a team we do like to defend. I think we did that very well today and that also allowed us to create a lot of offensive play. But I still think that victory looks more comfortable that it was."

Few would have agreed.

Wildcats: Dunne, Hayes (14), O'Reilly (10), Griffin (2), Fitzpatrick (4), White (16), Coady, Lowe, Kiely (3), Nolan (3), Dempsey (10), Liston.

Tolka Rovers: Burke, Dixon, O'Brien (5), Canavan (8), McNally, Maguire (6), Walsh (7), S Kelly (11), Scally, R Kelly (7).