Northop Hall Ladies seconds head to Cardiff this weekend pursuing Welsh Challenge Cup glory for a second successive year.

The Cheshire Division Four side enjoyed a solid campaign this season and are now bidding to retain the national trophy against the Cardiff Medicals side they beat in last season's final.

A comprehensive 6-1 semi-final victory over Gwent fourths in Welshpool last weekend ensured Hall's progress to the showpiece final at the National Hockey Centre.

Ffion Jones fired a superb hat-trick in the rout, with further efforts from Beth Goldsmith, Ben Roberts and youngster Ellen Roberts.

The Medicals secured their own final berth with a battling 3-2 shootout victory over Carmarthen, after the game ended in 1-1 tie.

Last year's final saw the North Walians inflict a 4-1 defeat on their rivals from the capital, with the prolific Ffion Jones netting three times.

But Hall coach Rachel White is expecting a much sterner test in Saturday's re-match.

"I'd say we're underdogs going into the final and it's going to be a massive test for us to go down there and retain the trophy.

"The semi-final performance was excellent though, and should give us a lot of confidence to take into the game.

"Winning the trophy last season was a superb experience and everyone at the club is looking forward to trying to repeat that this season.

"Hopefully we can bring the trophy back home with us again."