Wexford I 0, Greenfields, Galway 1 (golden goal in extra-time): Wexford suffered an agonising defeat in the semi-final of the Irish Hockey Trophy on Saturday last when a 'golden goal' in the last minute of extratime put an end to their fantastic run in the competition. However, it is Greenfields from Galway who will now meet Catholic Institute from Limerick in the final in two weeks' time.

With the stakes so high, both sides had a nervous start to the game. However, Wexford punished mistakes in the Greenfields defence early in the game and won a series of short corners in the opening 15 minutes. Unfortunately, none of the setpieces were converted and Greenfields were let off the hook. The Galway side finished the half the stronger, but Wexford defended well, and the game remained scoreless at the break.

The second-half produced some very good, committed hockey as both sides pushed hard to get that elusive goal. Chances were created at both ends, with Wexford's Jean Devoy and Miriam Lambert both unlucky when their driving runs were halted with timely tackles in the circle.

Wexford enjoyed a good final quarter. They looked eager and hungry for the ball, and took control of the midfield area for good periods. A spectacular effort late in the game came from the stick of Ciara O'Leary with a superb lob from the edge of the circle. However, the Greenfields 'keeper, at full stretch, got a vital touch to deflect the shot out of danger over the end line.

With nothing separating the sides after 70 minutes of normal time, the game went into extra-time, with a 'golden goal' rule in operation. Both sides put in a tremendous effort, and were being urged on by a large crowd of enthusiastic vocal supporters.

As the seconds ticked away, and it looked like the game would have to be decided on a penalty shoot-out, Greenfields won a short corner. Wexford's Zoe Codd brilliantly defended the initial corner, but Greenfields won a second corner and this resulted in the killer blow.

The initial shot was well saved by Deirdre Colfer, but Greenfields were quick on the rebound, and calmly lobbed the ball over the 'keeper's pads into the goal.

After the game Wexford had some comforting words from their coach, David Williamson, who stated that every player should be proud of their committed performance and that the future certainly looks good for Wexford Hockey Club.

Wexford I: Deirdre Colfer, Sinéad Dempsey, Deirdre Bolger, Zoe Codd, Avril Jones, Ruth Kennedy (capt.), Ciara O'Leary, Miriam Sherlock, Steffi Bowe, Jean Devoy, Miriam Lambert, Amy Rossiter, Trish Mennis, Sinéad Goggin, Elaine Kinsella, Anna Mealy.

Wexford I 5, Portlaoise 0: Wexford had little time to lick their wounds, as they had to face Portaoise in the George Ffrench South East Cup semi-final the following day. Luckily, however, Wexford had home advantage, making it a slightly easier task.

Despite the tired legs and disappointment of the previous day, Wexford had a convincing 5-0 win to progress to the final. Wexford were missing a few from their regular squad, but had able replacements in Therese Finan, Anne Hegarty and Ruth Bowe who stepped up from the seconds squad for the game.

An early goal from Zoe Codd took the pressure off Wexford, and Ciara O'Leary registered a second from a short corner strike before the half-time break. Miriam Lambert will claim Wexford's third goal, as her shot on goal took a late deflection.

Ciara O'Leary scored her second to make it 4-0, and Miriam Lambert finished the scoring with a short corner strike.

Wexford will now wait and see who they will meet in the final, with Kilkenny I being the likely opposition.

Wexford I: Deirdre Colfer, Sinéad Dempsey, Sinéad Goggin, Ciara O'Leary, Therese Finan, Ruth Kennedy (capt.), Steffi Bowe, Jean Devoy, Miriam Lambert, Elaine Kinsella, Miriam Sherlock, Anne Hegarty, Ruth Bowe.

The Junior inter-provincials will take place in Cork this weekend (March 12-13). The South East squad will include Wexford's Avril Jones, Ciara O'Leary, Miriam Lambert and Leonie Grant. The side will be coached by Wexford's coach, David Williamson.

Fixture: Sunday, March 14, Wexford II v. Carlow (Plate semi-final).