C of I in the frame as Quins’ hopes fade

Updated to include C of I vs UCC (Tues 26th)

Two seven-goal thrillers and a shock result in Ulster have turned Pool B of the men’s Irish Hockey League on its head, with Lisnagarvey now the surprise leaders after round two.

‘Garvey spoiled Cookstown’s first IHL match on their new €1 million water-based surface at Coolnafranky, with Greg Thompson’s double the catalyst for a 3-1 win that puts them top of the standings with two wins from two.

Cork C of I lie just a point behind after shredding their supporters’ nerves in a 4-3 home victory over Annadale. The visitors took a shock lead through Ian Hamilton’s drag flick, but a killer six-minute, three-goal salvo put C of I in control.

Quins' John Hobbs and Lee d'Alton attempt to shackle Pembroke's Alan Sothern. Picture: Adrian Boehm

John Jermyn’s corner strike hauled them level, before Alec Moffett was instrumental in setting up further goals for Nigel Buttimer – who bashed home from the top of the circle – and Peter Catchpole, who finished off a fine team move

Jonny Quigley reduced the arrears on 21 minutes, only for Jermyn to dispatch another corner after the break to give C of I breathing space again. But goalkeeper Billy Lynch then brought down Hamilton in the circle, and the ‘Dale man dusted himself off to convert the resultant penalty stroke in the 49th minute.

Both sides had chances to alter the outcome in a frantic finale, but C of I took the spoils while Annadale must be content with a losing bonus point.

There was similar drama at Grange Road, where two lethal drag-flicks from Glenanne’s Stephen Butler proved enough to stave off Three Rock Rovers 4-3, in a spectacular tie pockmarked by eight sin-binnings.

Five of the six sides are now within three points of each other, suggesting there will be many more twists in the race for the two semi-final spots.

Pembroke Wanderers have taken control of Pool A, with Justin Sherriff’s late double finally helping to break the resistance of Cork Harlequins – for whom Dutch netminder Reinout Mensink again starred – in a 3-0, bonus-point win for the holders.

Quins rarely troubled the hosts – they didn’t win a single corner and had just one shot on goal – and having failed to pick up any points from their opening two games, their semi-final dreams are all but dashed.

With Banbridge picking up their first win at the expense of Instonians – young hotshot Stephen Dowds hitting the only goal of the game – and Corinthian and Monkstown sharing a 2-2 draw, the advantage is now very much with Craig Fulton’s side.

Domestically, Bandon’s clash with Quins B fell victim to the frost, though Tuesday night’s clash between UCC and C of I went ahead despite concerns over the Garryduff pitch. The Munster champions recorded a 5-0 victory, with Nigel Buttimer scoring twice and John Jermyn, Ben Dobson and Richie Dorman also hitting the target.

C of I had a 3-0 lead at the break but College competed with increased gusto and positional sense after the break, limiting Stephen Jackson’s side to two late strikes.

Pool A: 1. Pembroke 7pts (+4) 2. Instonians 5pts (+2) 3. Corinthian 5pts (+2) 4. Banbridge 4pts (0) 5. Monkstown 2pts (-3) 6. Cork Harlequins 0pts (-5)

Pool B: 1. Lisnagarvey 6pts (+4) 2. Cork C of I 5pts (+1) 3. Glenanne 4pts (0) 4. Three Rock Rovers 3pts (-1) 5. Cookstown 3pts (-1) 6. Annadale 1pt (-3)

For Adrian Boehm’s photos of Quins vs Pembroke, click here. For more detailed reports of IHL games, please click here.