I caught up with the Denman Ulster Shield match between Ulster University Elks and Pegasus at Jordanstown Sports Village on a chilly Wednesday evening.

It was an early meeting for the two competition favourites and on the evidence of this match Pegasus must be clear favourites to retain the trophy.

The timing of the fixture wasn’t good for Elks who were missing three of their key players on Ireland Olympic Qualification duty. Pegasus, on the other hand, looked to be playing with a full deck and the return of captain Ruth Maguire boosted their chances even further.