BELFAST'S Pegasus II overcame the hazards of flying rugby balls gale force winds and a Kilkenny team with an abundance of spirit to retain the Irish Junior Cup at, Belfield on Saturday.
Such was the strength of the swirling wind on the day that any time a Garryowen was attempted on the neighbouring rugby pitch "the oval ball winged its way in to the middle of the hockey final.
In short spells of the scoreless first half, Kilkenny, inspired by the industry of Debbie Gaye and Jacqui Stokes, put the cup holders under pressure. But Pegasus II who won nine short corners to Kilkenny's five in the first 35 minutes, had the clearer opportunities to take the lead.
Their opening goal finally came in the 46th minute when a cross from Sharon Morgan trickled across the face of the goal, and just as the danger appeared to be over for Kilkenny substitute Lesley Coulter squeezed the ball past goalkeeper Vera Morrissey.
Seven minutes later Lesley McCloy doubled the Pegasus lead when she converted Kerry McCall's pull back after fine work by the winger on the right.
Gaye fired Kilkenny's hopes of a comeback in the 63rd minute when her deflected shot from a short corner looped over everyone's heads and in to the goal, but there was to be no late equaliser.
