Cork Harlequins and Loreto did their utmost at Belfield over the weekend to make the contest for the women's Club Championship title a genuine four-team affair but, once again, the meeting of Pegasus and Hermes on the final day will determine the outcome of the tournament.

The Ulster and Leinster champions won their opening two games against the Munster champions and the Irish Cup holders but it is Hermes who need to win today, because of an inferior goal difference, if they are to become Irish champions for the first time.

Pegasus, who beat Harlequins 5-1 on Saturday, went behind in the first minute of their game against Loreto yesterday when Nikki Symmons gave the Dublin side the lead. However, Arlene Boyles levelled for a dominant Pegasus before half time and second-half scores from Jeanette Gordon (two) and Claire McMahon sealed a win.

Hermes beat Loreto 3-0 on Saturday, but trailed 2-0 to Harlequins at half-time in yesterday's game. However, they fought back with a stirring final 20 minutes to win the game. EJ Walsh and Aisling Keane levelled the scores before Linda Caulfield clinched victory with a goal from the top of the circle five minutes from time.

In the men's club championship, Cork Harlequins put themselves into strong contention for the title.

The Cork side came into yesterday's match against Dubliners Glenanne with Instonians' scalp from the previous day and were looking for a second victory to set up a final match with Corinthians today. That did so impressively with a 4-2 win over the Dubliners, their goals coming from Eddie Gash, Richard Gash, Jason Black and John Lombard.

Corinthians will prove tough opposition, as their 2-2 draw with Instonians illustrated. Mark Gleghorn and Clark Kennedy, from the penalty spot, bagged Instonians' scores with James Benson and Colin Stewart scoring for Corinthians.