WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Such has been their complete dominance of the all-Ireland Club finals since 1998, Sunday's game between Hermes and Pegasus at Belfield has an 'annual decider' feel about it, this time the Leinster champions aiming to regain the title they lost to the Belfast side in Cork last year.

With the Leinster League, the Irish Senior Cup and gold at the European Cup Winners' Trophy already won this season, Hermes' confidence will be high going in to the game, not least because of the form they displayed in the play-offs last weekend.

Sixteen goals in three games, including a remarkable 8-0 drubbing of Ulster runners-up Ballymoney, gave Hermes a near effortless passage to the final. In contrast Pegasus only prevailed in their three games by a one goal margin, and were given a big fright by Loreto in their deciding pool match, going a goal down before Claire McMahon and Sarah Wilkinson rescued them.

Pegasus, though, have made a habit of doing what's required, and no more, so while Hermes' free-scoring exploits last weekend will be a concern, they'll hardly lack self-belief - they are, after all, seeking their seventh All-Ireland title in just nine years.

They will, however, be without Katharine Smyth and Jill Orbinson, the latter cup-tied after playing for Holland's Push this season, while Suzanne Beaney is struggling with a calf injury.

Pegasus depart for Berlin just three days after the final, where they will compete in the European Club Championships, a place in the same tournament next season the prize for the winners on Sunday. Hermes, of course, are already assured of a place in the European Cup Winners' Cup, but will be intent on qualifying for the more prestigious of European competitions.

Hermes will be without Jenny Burke who is still recovering from illness, while Kristin Farrell suffered knee ligament damage in last weekend play-offs. Claire Sullivan misses out due to exams.

ALL-IRELAND CLUB FINAL (at Belfield) - Sunday: Hermes v Pegasus, 2.30.