By David Agnew
Senior One
NICS hammered Portadown 7-0 on Saturday, South powered past Ville 6-0 and Harlequins thrashed Down 6-1 – none of those results were unexpected but Armagh’s 1-1 draw with Antrim was certainly a surprise but credit must go to Robbie McMinns men:
A point won or 2 points lost that was the talk going around Ardmore after the City Side played hosts to second in the table Antrim last Saturday, and after being beaten 4 – 0 by the same team the week before Armagh were in no mood to repeat the favour.
With that all important Kirk Cup spot still up for grabs, Armagh needed to step up their game and prove to their Coach Robbie McMinn that all his hard work throughout the season is now paying off, and in the first 5 minutes of the match you would have seen a well structured team on the field and where taking the game to Antrim right from the start.
Unfortunately this style of play wasn’t to last as the game became very scrappy and the game became physical , as much as the game was scrappy Armagh where creating the better chances and went close on numerous occasions only for the Antrim keeper to deny the goal.
On 15 minutes Armagh made the break through when Gregory Croft made space in the D to drive the ball into the net, minutes later Stewart Kirkland was to go very close again finding himself free in the D unfortunately the ball was drove straight at the keeper.
Antrim rarely got through the Armagh defence in the first half however on three occasions it took scrappy defending to clear the ball from around the Armagh goal area, when a touch could have put the ball in the Armagh net. Half Time Armagh 1 Antrim 0.
The second half was to become very physical with cards getting shown right around the field, Armagh continued to make the better chances and the Antrim team was relying on breakaways. Armagh started to win the Penalty Corner tally but they weren't clicking and the Antrim keeper seemed to have all areas covered, Antrim where just as bad as most of the Penalty Corners where hit wide and didn’t trouble the Armagh goal.
Half way through the half Antrim where reduced to ten men for a bad challenge, the advantage Armagh had was short lived as it was levelled up when Davy Warnock was then Sin Binned minutes later. Armagh continued to penetrate the Antrim goal, Kirkland, Bell, Mark Brown, Andy Brown, Warnock, Hutton Warnock and Croft all had chances to finish Antrim off, however poor finishing and the Antrim Keeper made sure the score line remained at 1-0.
Disaster then happened to the City Side and it was their own doing with ten minutes left on the clock and looking to pull off a shock result Paul English played the ball from a Hit out straight to an Antrim forward who played his colleague in, who rounded the Armagh keeper and slotted the ball home.
1-1 was not the end of the day and if you where to ask anyone of the Armagh squad would they have taken a 1-1 at the start, they would have bitten your hand off, however it could of and should of been so much more, but also they could have lost it right at the end as Antrim had two glorious chances to win the match.
The match ended with a Red and Yellow card two minutes from time and they where both handed out to Antrim reducing them to 9 men, however there was not enough time for Armagh to produce a grand stand finish and the game ended Armagh 1 Antrim 1.
Senior Two
In the days only Senior Two game Ballynahinch kept the pressure on PSNI and Campbellians with a 3-1 win over Portrush.
Sussex Regiment Cup
Larne left it late but defeated Ballymena in dramatic fashion when they scored the silver goal in the last minute of extra time (3-2 it finished). They will be joined in the next round by Campbellians who knocked out Parkview winning 2-1 despite missing several key players.
***And finally….one person from each senior league club has got my mobile number. It would be a massive help if you could send through scores, goal scorers and brief match details after every game. Many thanks***
Showing posts with label Senior League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Senior League. Show all posts
ONE 1918 Senior Spotlight
By David Agnew
Senior One
Once again the focus this weekend in Senior One is on Kirk Cup places as QUB, Armagh and Portadown all battle it out for the last remaining spot in next season’s elite cup competition.
Most neutrals will say that Portadown have little chance of adding to their points tally with a buoyant NICS due for a visit to Edenvilla on Saturday in the Ports last remaining fixture. But the hosts are aiming to put on a decent display with the possibility of a great end to what has been a difficult season.
Armagh are chasing down a 4 point gap and have two games in hand on the Ports so Robbie McMinn’s lads will be fully focussed ahead of Antrim’s visit to Ardmore. Lessons will have been learnt from last weekend’s 4-0 defeat by the same opponents but Antrim will want to finish their own season off in style and make it 5 wins on the trot.
QUB are still in the race and given their recent good run of results they may just fancy their chances of pipping both Portadown and Armagh to the post. They are not in action this weekend though so in true student fashion… I’m sure they will be up early, training hard or watching/scouting their next opponents and then early to bed ahead of their tough Easter holidays from University… I merely jest of course!
Harlequins and Down are due to meet at Deramore as Quins aim to claw their way up to fourth place. Jonny Carren (a returning former Collegians player) is now occupying the Harlequins hot-seat and his playing/coaching CV is extremely impressive. Carren is a Level 3 qualified coach who has been in Australia since 2001 where he gained experience of top-level hockey alongside the likes of Brent Livermore, Jamie Dwyer, Phil Burrows and many more international stars as both a player and later as a coach. Since his return to Belfast in January this year he has been coaching Belfast Harlequins and also secured the Strength & Conditioning Contract for Ulster representatives of the Irish Senior Men’s Team. Quins spokesman Robin Quigley believes that this appointment will be the catalyst for long-term success and of course Premier League status sooner rather than later.
Cliftonville are now out of the race for a Kirk Cup place and South Antrim have claimed third spot so when these two sides meet on Saturday it will purely be for pride.
Senior Two
In Senior Two the only action takes place between Portrush and Ballynahinch and the visitors will be hard to beat given the return to form shown by Grant Hayes in last week’s Sussex Regiment Cup victory.
Sussex Regiment Cup
Ballymena host Larne in what promises to be a close affair while Saintfield face an uphill struggle on their trip to PSNI and Campbellians will fancy their chances of smooth passage into the next round as the league leaders travel to face Parkview.
Predictions
(and as usual my Ports team will be tipped for a win!)
Senior One
Ports 2 vs NICS 1 (stoke the fire a bit)
Armagh 1 vs Antrim 2
Quins 6 vs Down 2
Ville 1 vs South 5
Senior Two
Portrush 1 vs Hinch 4
Sussex Regiment Cup
Ballymena 1 vs Larne 1
Saints 1 vs PSNI 3
Parkview 1 vs Campbellians 4
JUST A NOTE TO ASK IF SOMEONE FROM EACH CLUB COULD TEXT ME SCORE, SCORERS AND BRIEF MATCH DETAILS (INCLUDING CARDS!) EACH SATURDAY EVENING? THANKS. (ONE PERSON FROM EACH CLUB HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT MY MOBILE NUMBER)
Senior One
Once again the focus this weekend in Senior One is on Kirk Cup places as QUB, Armagh and Portadown all battle it out for the last remaining spot in next season’s elite cup competition.
Most neutrals will say that Portadown have little chance of adding to their points tally with a buoyant NICS due for a visit to Edenvilla on Saturday in the Ports last remaining fixture. But the hosts are aiming to put on a decent display with the possibility of a great end to what has been a difficult season.
Armagh are chasing down a 4 point gap and have two games in hand on the Ports so Robbie McMinn’s lads will be fully focussed ahead of Antrim’s visit to Ardmore. Lessons will have been learnt from last weekend’s 4-0 defeat by the same opponents but Antrim will want to finish their own season off in style and make it 5 wins on the trot.
QUB are still in the race and given their recent good run of results they may just fancy their chances of pipping both Portadown and Armagh to the post. They are not in action this weekend though so in true student fashion… I’m sure they will be up early, training hard or watching/scouting their next opponents and then early to bed ahead of their tough Easter holidays from University… I merely jest of course!
Harlequins and Down are due to meet at Deramore as Quins aim to claw their way up to fourth place. Jonny Carren (a returning former Collegians player) is now occupying the Harlequins hot-seat and his playing/coaching CV is extremely impressive. Carren is a Level 3 qualified coach who has been in Australia since 2001 where he gained experience of top-level hockey alongside the likes of Brent Livermore, Jamie Dwyer, Phil Burrows and many more international stars as both a player and later as a coach. Since his return to Belfast in January this year he has been coaching Belfast Harlequins and also secured the Strength & Conditioning Contract for Ulster representatives of the Irish Senior Men’s Team. Quins spokesman Robin Quigley believes that this appointment will be the catalyst for long-term success and of course Premier League status sooner rather than later.
Cliftonville are now out of the race for a Kirk Cup place and South Antrim have claimed third spot so when these two sides meet on Saturday it will purely be for pride.
Senior Two
In Senior Two the only action takes place between Portrush and Ballynahinch and the visitors will be hard to beat given the return to form shown by Grant Hayes in last week’s Sussex Regiment Cup victory.
Sussex Regiment Cup
Ballymena host Larne in what promises to be a close affair while Saintfield face an uphill struggle on their trip to PSNI and Campbellians will fancy their chances of smooth passage into the next round as the league leaders travel to face Parkview.
Predictions
(and as usual my Ports team will be tipped for a win!)
Senior One
Ports 2 vs NICS 1 (stoke the fire a bit)
Armagh 1 vs Antrim 2
Quins 6 vs Down 2
Ville 1 vs South 5
Senior Two
Portrush 1 vs Hinch 4
Sussex Regiment Cup
Ballymena 1 vs Larne 1
Saints 1 vs PSNI 3
Parkview 1 vs Campbellians 4
JUST A NOTE TO ASK IF SOMEONE FROM EACH CLUB COULD TEXT ME SCORE, SCORERS AND BRIEF MATCH DETAILS (INCLUDING CARDS!) EACH SATURDAY EVENING? THANKS. (ONE PERSON FROM EACH CLUB HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT MY MOBILE NUMBER)
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Tags:
Irish Hockey Trophy,
Irish Junior Cup,
Junior Shield,
Minor Cup,
Premier League,
Senior League,
Sussex Regiment Cup
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Edgar celebrates in style
William Edgar’s name wasn’t listed in the match programme, but his stunning third senior goal for Annadale, ensured his name would be remembered.
Edgar, who celebrated his 18th birthday last week with twin brother John , produced an outstanding all-round performance, which helped keep Annadale in the title hunt.
He had, at times, the Comber sides defence at sixes and sevens, and if it wasn’t for some marvellous goal-keeping by Andy Coates, he could easily have added to his solitary effort.
Needing a win to keep in the title chase, Annadale started strongly, winning a series of short corners. But Dale’s penalty corner routine, which is normally lethal, was uncharacteristically out of form, and when Stephen McGimpsey took their sixth penalty corner off the line in the 27th minute, Dale were becoming anxious.
However, with five minutes of the half remaining Ian Hamilton steadied the ship, when he hammered home their ninth corner in off the cross bar.
North Down refused to lie down as they went for the equaliser but in the 55th minute when the home side were reduced to 10 men, after McGimpsey was green carded, Annadale struck.
A flowing move from right to left, saw Michael Purcell and Paul Jackson link to set up Jonny Quigley for a superb second goal.
Seven minutes later, Annadale secured victory through Edgar, when he cut along the top of the North Down circle to unleash an unstoppable reverse stick shot, which rifled the ball into the net.
And with three minutes remaining, Scott Caruth scored a consolation goal for North Down, when he showed how to score a penalty corner, with a goal that went in like a bullet.
Premiership Round-Up
It is as you were at the top of the premiership, with all the top three sides winning.
Leaders Cookstown kept their noses in front, thanks to goals from brothers Ian and Stephen Sloan, Ivan Steen and a rare Ewan Butler effort, as they saw off Mossley with Simon Todd scoring for the visitors.
Banbridge went on a goal scoring romp at Donegal, hitting five past Raphoe. Ross McCandless notched up his 38th and 39th goals of the season, Dane Ward, Colin Dowds and Simon Magowan also getting on the score sheet.
And with Annadale winning at Comber, the title is still in the melting pot.
Lisnagarvey secured at least a coveted top five place, for qualification into next season’s IHL, thanks to a late winner from Mark Raphael. But they had to come from behind, after Gareth Russell gave Kilkeel an early lead. But further goals from Timmy Cockram, Peter MacDonnell secured a narrow victory.
Round up
Irish Junior Cup
Both Lisnagarvey and Cookstown crashed out of the Irish Junior Cup semi-finals, as they lost to their southern opponents. YMCA securing a 3-1 win over much fancied Cookstown, and Monkstown seeing off Garvey 3-2.
An Andrew Shannon hat-trick, ensured North Down III’s would be playing Junior 2 hockey next season, after they clinched promotion defeating Inst III 3-2.
Results
Premiership
Kilkeel 2 Lisnagarvey 3
North Down 1 Annadale 3
Cookstown 4 Mossley 1
Raphoe 1 Banbridge 5
Senior One
Portadown P Down
Queens 3 Cliftonville 0
Antrim 4 Armagh 0
Sussex Regiment Cup
Foyle 1 Ballymena 5
Campbellians w/o Omagh
Portrush 2 Ballynahinch 3
Irish Junior Cup - Semi Final
Lisnagarvey II 2 Monkstown II 3
Cookstown II 1 YMCA 3
Junior Shield - Semi Final
Bangor III 4 Armagh II 1
Raphoe III V Cookstown V
Minor Cup – Semi Final
Queens II V Campbellians II
Mossley V 2 North Down IV 1
Irish Hockey Trophy Final
Civil Service 6 Suttonians 0
Edgar, who celebrated his 18th birthday last week with twin brother John , produced an outstanding all-round performance, which helped keep Annadale in the title hunt.
He had, at times, the Comber sides defence at sixes and sevens, and if it wasn’t for some marvellous goal-keeping by Andy Coates, he could easily have added to his solitary effort.
Needing a win to keep in the title chase, Annadale started strongly, winning a series of short corners. But Dale’s penalty corner routine, which is normally lethal, was uncharacteristically out of form, and when Stephen McGimpsey took their sixth penalty corner off the line in the 27th minute, Dale were becoming anxious.
However, with five minutes of the half remaining Ian Hamilton steadied the ship, when he hammered home their ninth corner in off the cross bar.
North Down refused to lie down as they went for the equaliser but in the 55th minute when the home side were reduced to 10 men, after McGimpsey was green carded, Annadale struck.
A flowing move from right to left, saw Michael Purcell and Paul Jackson link to set up Jonny Quigley for a superb second goal.
Seven minutes later, Annadale secured victory through Edgar, when he cut along the top of the North Down circle to unleash an unstoppable reverse stick shot, which rifled the ball into the net.
And with three minutes remaining, Scott Caruth scored a consolation goal for North Down, when he showed how to score a penalty corner, with a goal that went in like a bullet.
Premiership Round-Up
It is as you were at the top of the premiership, with all the top three sides winning.
Leaders Cookstown kept their noses in front, thanks to goals from brothers Ian and Stephen Sloan, Ivan Steen and a rare Ewan Butler effort, as they saw off Mossley with Simon Todd scoring for the visitors.
Banbridge went on a goal scoring romp at Donegal, hitting five past Raphoe. Ross McCandless notched up his 38th and 39th goals of the season, Dane Ward, Colin Dowds and Simon Magowan also getting on the score sheet.
And with Annadale winning at Comber, the title is still in the melting pot.
Lisnagarvey secured at least a coveted top five place, for qualification into next season’s IHL, thanks to a late winner from Mark Raphael. But they had to come from behind, after Gareth Russell gave Kilkeel an early lead. But further goals from Timmy Cockram, Peter MacDonnell secured a narrow victory.
Round up
Irish Junior Cup
Both Lisnagarvey and Cookstown crashed out of the Irish Junior Cup semi-finals, as they lost to their southern opponents. YMCA securing a 3-1 win over much fancied Cookstown, and Monkstown seeing off Garvey 3-2.
An Andrew Shannon hat-trick, ensured North Down III’s would be playing Junior 2 hockey next season, after they clinched promotion defeating Inst III 3-2.
Results
Premiership
Kilkeel 2 Lisnagarvey 3
North Down 1 Annadale 3
Cookstown 4 Mossley 1
Raphoe 1 Banbridge 5
Senior One
Portadown P Down
Queens 3 Cliftonville 0
Antrim 4 Armagh 0
Sussex Regiment Cup
Foyle 1 Ballymena 5
Campbellians w/o Omagh
Portrush 2 Ballynahinch 3
Irish Junior Cup - Semi Final
Lisnagarvey II 2 Monkstown II 3
Cookstown II 1 YMCA 3
Junior Shield - Semi Final
Bangor III 4 Armagh II 1
Raphoe III V Cookstown V
Minor Cup – Semi Final
Queens II V Campbellians II
Mossley V 2 North Down IV 1
Irish Hockey Trophy Final
Civil Service 6 Suttonians 0
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Senior Two,
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ONE 1918 Senior Spotlight
Senior One
Just three fixtures take place in Senior One this weekend and it’s the race for the last Kirk Cup place which takes centre stage.
Down are facing up to the prospect of Senior Two hockey again next season but they will travel to Edenvilla determined to prove a point. Their hosts Portadown had been on something of a good run until they slipped up against QUB last time out so this game could go either way. A win for Portadown will keep them in contention for that coveted Kirk cup place but nothing will be taken for granted.
QUB will fancy their chances of bagging another three points as they host Cliftonville at The Dub. Home advantage is always a bonus for the students so Ville will be hoping for a master-class from player-coach Julian Stevenson to keep their Kirk Cup hopes alive.
Armagh have the toughest assignment as they travel to take on Antrim at The Forum. I’m not sure what the history books say about Armagh’s participation in the Kirk Cup but from my own memory it must be quite some time since they last took part in Ulster’s elite cup competition. As it stands they have a great chance of claiming the remaining qualification spot and this alone may serve as a key motivator going into a tricky game against the league runners up.
Senior Two
In Senior Two the only action takes place on Friday night as Larne host Parkview. Both sides suffered disappointing defeats last time out so this one could be an exciting affair.
IHT Final
Good luck to NICS who face Suttonians in the Trophy final! Hopefully they can add to their already impressive season by bringing this trophy to the North once again.
Sussex Regiment Cup
Foyle will be hoping to build on their good form against PSNI last weekend as they host Ballymena while Omagh have the unenviable task of travelling to face league leaders Campbellians. In the remaining fixture Portrush host Ballynahinch who will see the cup as their best chance of glory this season now that promotion appears to be just out of reach.
Predictions
(and as usual my Ports team will be tipped for a win!)
Senior One
Ports 2 vs Down 1
QUB 4 vs Ville 2
Antrim 3 vs Armagh 1
Senior Two
Larne 2 vs Parkview 2
IHT Final
NICS 5 vs Suttonians 0
Sussex Regiment Cup
Foyle 1 vs Ballymena 2
Campbellians 5 vs Omagh 2
Portrush 1 vs Hinch 3
JUST A NOTE TO ASK IF SOMEONE FROM EACH CLUB COULD TEXT ME SCORE, SCORERS AND BRIEF MATCH DETAILS (INCLUDING CARDS!) EACH SATURDAY EVENING? THANKS. (ONE PERSON FROM EACH CLUB HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT MY MOBILE NUMBER)
Just three fixtures take place in Senior One this weekend and it’s the race for the last Kirk Cup place which takes centre stage.
Down are facing up to the prospect of Senior Two hockey again next season but they will travel to Edenvilla determined to prove a point. Their hosts Portadown had been on something of a good run until they slipped up against QUB last time out so this game could go either way. A win for Portadown will keep them in contention for that coveted Kirk cup place but nothing will be taken for granted.
QUB will fancy their chances of bagging another three points as they host Cliftonville at The Dub. Home advantage is always a bonus for the students so Ville will be hoping for a master-class from player-coach Julian Stevenson to keep their Kirk Cup hopes alive.
Armagh have the toughest assignment as they travel to take on Antrim at The Forum. I’m not sure what the history books say about Armagh’s participation in the Kirk Cup but from my own memory it must be quite some time since they last took part in Ulster’s elite cup competition. As it stands they have a great chance of claiming the remaining qualification spot and this alone may serve as a key motivator going into a tricky game against the league runners up.
Senior Two
In Senior Two the only action takes place on Friday night as Larne host Parkview. Both sides suffered disappointing defeats last time out so this one could be an exciting affair.
IHT Final
Good luck to NICS who face Suttonians in the Trophy final! Hopefully they can add to their already impressive season by bringing this trophy to the North once again.
Sussex Regiment Cup
Foyle will be hoping to build on their good form against PSNI last weekend as they host Ballymena while Omagh have the unenviable task of travelling to face league leaders Campbellians. In the remaining fixture Portrush host Ballynahinch who will see the cup as their best chance of glory this season now that promotion appears to be just out of reach.
Predictions
(and as usual my Ports team will be tipped for a win!)
Senior One
Ports 2 vs Down 1
QUB 4 vs Ville 2
Antrim 3 vs Armagh 1
Senior Two
Larne 2 vs Parkview 2
IHT Final
NICS 5 vs Suttonians 0
Sussex Regiment Cup
Foyle 1 vs Ballymena 2
Campbellians 5 vs Omagh 2
Portrush 1 vs Hinch 3
JUST A NOTE TO ASK IF SOMEONE FROM EACH CLUB COULD TEXT ME SCORE, SCORERS AND BRIEF MATCH DETAILS (INCLUDING CARDS!) EACH SATURDAY EVENING? THANKS. (ONE PERSON FROM EACH CLUB HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT MY MOBILE NUMBER)
ONE 1918 Senior Review
By David Agnew
Senior One
NICS celebrated promotion to the Premier League in style on Friday evening by beating Downpatrick 10-0 at Comber Leisure Centre. Aaron Gill bagged another hat-trick and took centre stage with a stunning display paving the way for Posnett (2), Johnston (2), R Anderson, J Anderson and Towe to add to their own goal tallies for 09/10.
Antrim will now finish in second spot after a convincing 5-1 victory over Newry at the Forum while South Antrim were held to a 3-3 draw by a resurgent Harlequins side. Adam Glass gave South the lead from a mis-hit penalty corner in the first half but Quins roared back and forced Paul Montgomery into some smart saves before the interval. The visitors equalised from a penalty stroke dispatched by Stevie McGrath and then took the lead when Chris Lemon hit the back of the net. Craig Campbell equalised for South during a period of end to end action but Carren was set to be a hero for Quins when he gave his side a 3-2 lead and what looked like being all three points. Quins seemed to sit deep and try to defend their lead rather than press forward for more goals and this proved to be costly as Campbell popped up again for the home side to equalise with the last hit of the game – it’s hard to say whether either side will be happy after this encounter.
QUB took all three points from their clash with Portadown at Edenvilla despite the home side having the vast majority of possession. Ports couldn’t find a cutting edge in the final third and were made to pay the ultimate penalty when the students scored three goals against the run of play making Gareth Titler’s penalty corner conversion somewhat trivial in the end.
Armagh have given themselves a great chance of qualifying for the Kirk Cup following a 5-1 victory over Cliftonville who have lost their way in recent weeks. Gregory Croft (2), Bell, Warnock and McRoberts scored for the Orchard County men with S McMillen grabbing only a consolation goal for Ville.
Senior Two
Hats off to Foyle who pushed PSNI all the way on Saturday only to lose out 4-2 in the end. Having taken an early lead the home side looked set to claim their first ever points but PSNI have a strong squad and had too much firepower over the 70 minutes.
Omagh put on a fantastic display to beat Larne 3-0 Jake Martin and Mark Campbell (2) were the heroes!
Performance of the day though in Senior Two came from Portrush who hammered seven goals past Parkview without reply – Lewis Green (2), Brent Smith (2), David Price,Eoin Sayers and John Dillon all helped themselves to a moment of glory during an impressive team display.
***And finally… one person from each senior league club has got my mobile number. It would be a massive help if you could send through scores, goal scorers and brief match details after every game. Many thanks***
Senior One
NICS celebrated promotion to the Premier League in style on Friday evening by beating Downpatrick 10-0 at Comber Leisure Centre. Aaron Gill bagged another hat-trick and took centre stage with a stunning display paving the way for Posnett (2), Johnston (2), R Anderson, J Anderson and Towe to add to their own goal tallies for 09/10.
Antrim will now finish in second spot after a convincing 5-1 victory over Newry at the Forum while South Antrim were held to a 3-3 draw by a resurgent Harlequins side. Adam Glass gave South the lead from a mis-hit penalty corner in the first half but Quins roared back and forced Paul Montgomery into some smart saves before the interval. The visitors equalised from a penalty stroke dispatched by Stevie McGrath and then took the lead when Chris Lemon hit the back of the net. Craig Campbell equalised for South during a period of end to end action but Carren was set to be a hero for Quins when he gave his side a 3-2 lead and what looked like being all three points. Quins seemed to sit deep and try to defend their lead rather than press forward for more goals and this proved to be costly as Campbell popped up again for the home side to equalise with the last hit of the game – it’s hard to say whether either side will be happy after this encounter.
QUB took all three points from their clash with Portadown at Edenvilla despite the home side having the vast majority of possession. Ports couldn’t find a cutting edge in the final third and were made to pay the ultimate penalty when the students scored three goals against the run of play making Gareth Titler’s penalty corner conversion somewhat trivial in the end.
Armagh have given themselves a great chance of qualifying for the Kirk Cup following a 5-1 victory over Cliftonville who have lost their way in recent weeks. Gregory Croft (2), Bell, Warnock and McRoberts scored for the Orchard County men with S McMillen grabbing only a consolation goal for Ville.
Senior Two
Hats off to Foyle who pushed PSNI all the way on Saturday only to lose out 4-2 in the end. Having taken an early lead the home side looked set to claim their first ever points but PSNI have a strong squad and had too much firepower over the 70 minutes.
Omagh put on a fantastic display to beat Larne 3-0 Jake Martin and Mark Campbell (2) were the heroes!
Performance of the day though in Senior Two came from Portrush who hammered seven goals past Parkview without reply – Lewis Green (2), Brent Smith (2), David Price,Eoin Sayers and John Dillon all helped themselves to a moment of glory during an impressive team display.
***And finally… one person from each senior league club has got my mobile number. It would be a massive help if you could send through scores, goal scorers and brief match details after every game. Many thanks***
Senior One Spotlight
By David Agnew
Senior One
Match of the Day in Senior One this weekend is South Antrim versus Harlequins at Laurelhill with both teams capable of flowing attacking hockey on their day. South will go in as favourites given their impressive season so far but Quins are on the up and will pose a real threat as South aim to secure their top three finish.
Staying at the top end of the table, Antrim host Newry at the Forum and it’s probably the visitors who have most to gain from a win as they try to block the charge of South into 3rd position which the border club currently occupy.
With a Kirk Cup place still up for grabs Cliftonville’s visit to Armagh will be worth watching as will QUB’s trip to Portadown. All four sides can still finish in 6th position so there is still plenty to play for at this late stage of the season.
Unfortunately Downpatrick now look certain to finish at the foot of the table and a visit from high flying NICS on Friday evening will not help their cause.
Senior Two
In Senior Two Portrush should claim all three points from the visit of Parkview and PSNI will have too much firepower for struggling Foyle. In the remaining fixture Larne and Omagh clash for the second week in a row.
Campbellians look set for promotion so all eyes will be focussed on the battle for second place between PSNI and Ballynahinch as the season comes to a close.
Predictions
(and as usual my Ports team will be tipped for a win!)
Senior One
South 3 vs Quins 2
Antrim 4 vs Newry 2
Armagh 3 vs Cliftonville 3
Portadown 2 vs QUB 1
Downpatrick 0 vs NICS 5
Senior Two
Portrush 3 vs Parkview 1
Foyle 0 vs PSNI 5
Omagh 1 vs Larne 1
JUST A NOTE TO ASK IF SOMEONE FROM EACH CLUB COULD TEXT ME SCORE, SCORERS AND BRIEF MATCH DETAILS (INCLUDING CARDS!) EACH SATURDAY EVENING? THANKS. (ONE PERSON FROM EACH CLUB HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT MY MOBILE NUMBER)
Senior One
Match of the Day in Senior One this weekend is South Antrim versus Harlequins at Laurelhill with both teams capable of flowing attacking hockey on their day. South will go in as favourites given their impressive season so far but Quins are on the up and will pose a real threat as South aim to secure their top three finish.
Staying at the top end of the table, Antrim host Newry at the Forum and it’s probably the visitors who have most to gain from a win as they try to block the charge of South into 3rd position which the border club currently occupy.
With a Kirk Cup place still up for grabs Cliftonville’s visit to Armagh will be worth watching as will QUB’s trip to Portadown. All four sides can still finish in 6th position so there is still plenty to play for at this late stage of the season.
Unfortunately Downpatrick now look certain to finish at the foot of the table and a visit from high flying NICS on Friday evening will not help their cause.
Senior Two
In Senior Two Portrush should claim all three points from the visit of Parkview and PSNI will have too much firepower for struggling Foyle. In the remaining fixture Larne and Omagh clash for the second week in a row.
Campbellians look set for promotion so all eyes will be focussed on the battle for second place between PSNI and Ballynahinch as the season comes to a close.
Predictions
(and as usual my Ports team will be tipped for a win!)
Senior One
South 3 vs Quins 2
Antrim 4 vs Newry 2
Armagh 3 vs Cliftonville 3
Portadown 2 vs QUB 1
Downpatrick 0 vs NICS 5
Senior Two
Portrush 3 vs Parkview 1
Foyle 0 vs PSNI 5
Omagh 1 vs Larne 1
JUST A NOTE TO ASK IF SOMEONE FROM EACH CLUB COULD TEXT ME SCORE, SCORERS AND BRIEF MATCH DETAILS (INCLUDING CARDS!) EACH SATURDAY EVENING? THANKS. (ONE PERSON FROM EACH CLUB HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT MY MOBILE NUMBER)
Posted by
Ulster Hockey Review
Tags:
Irish Hockey Challenge,
Irish Hockey League,
Irish Hockey Trophy,
Premier League,
Senior League
Comments
2
Weekend Roundup
Irish Hockey League
Timmy Cockram blasted Lisnagarvey clear at the top of Pool B, in the Irish Hockey league hammering five goals past Three Rock Rovers.
It was sweet revenge, as Rovers put Garvey out of the Irish Senior Cup last week, and this result means that Garvey are now firmly on course for the IHL play-offs.
The Hillsborough side were simply unstoppable, as they romped seven goals past Rovers, Peter MacDonnell and Greg Thompson scoring the other goals.
Two goals from David Ames and Ian Hutchinson gave Cookstown a 3-1 win over Annadale, and a slim hope of qualification for the play-offs, but Annadale’s third defeat, means their IHL dream has ended.
Banbridge squandered a 3-1 advantage against Corinthian in Dublin, as they ended up drawing three-a piece, and now face an uphill challenge to qualify for the finals. Ross McCandless, Dane Ward and an own goal, secured a point for Bann.
Instonians lost ground on their push for the play offs, after they went down to Pembroke Wanderers 3-0.
Irish Hockey Trophy
Civil Service are Dublin bound after they reached their first Irish Hockey Trophy final, when they edged out Antrim in a closely fought game.
Twice Antrim came back to level the match. Aaron Gill put Service into the lead, but Neil McCullough levelled it for Antrim. Colin Irwin restored Service’s lead after the turn, however Antrim were back in it, when Stuart McIlroy squared the game.
But with five minutes remaining, Peter Johnston smashed the ball home to put Service into the March 21 final, where they will meet Suttonians, who conquered Belfast Harlequins 2-1, with Steve McGrati the only scorer for Harlequins.
Irish Hockey Challenge
This season’s Irish Challenge competition decended into a complete farce, after the favourites and current holders Campbellians withdrew, when their Dublin opponents, St Brendans decided to play the semi-final of a national competition, on a grass surface.
With St Brendan’s refusing to change their decision, the Belfast side felt they had no other option but to withdraw. And Ulster interest in the competition ended, when Larne went out in the other semi final to Limerick 3-0.
Premiership/Senior Round up
Mossley eased their relegation worries, when they reversed last week’s scoreline against Raphoe, to win 3-0. First half goals from Simon Todd and Chris O’Flaherty and another goal in the second half from Andy Coulter, gave Mossley three welcome points and left Raphoe at the foot of the table.
Down look destined to return to Senior Two after Queens smashed six goals past them, to leave them at the bottom of the table. Chris Barnes bagged five of PSNI’s goals, as they also knocked six past Ballymena.
Results
Irish Hockey League 3rd Round
Pool A
Instonains 0 Pembroke Wanderers 3
Cork Harlequins 3 Monkstown 2
Corinthian 3 Banbridge 3
Pool B
Cork CofI 1 Glenanne 4
Cookstown 3 Annadale 1
Lisnagarvey 7 Three Rock Rovers 0
Irish Hockey Trophy
Civil Service 3 Antrim 2
Belfast Harlequins 1 Suttonians 2
Irish Hockey Challenge
St Brendans V Campbellians (Campbellians withdrew)
Limerick 3 Larne 0
Premiership
Mossley 3 Raphoe 0
Senior One
Down 1 Queens 6
Cliftonville 0 Portadown 5
Senior Two
PSNI 6 Ballymena 2
Omagh 1 Saintfield 0
Timmy Cockram blasted Lisnagarvey clear at the top of Pool B, in the Irish Hockey league hammering five goals past Three Rock Rovers.
It was sweet revenge, as Rovers put Garvey out of the Irish Senior Cup last week, and this result means that Garvey are now firmly on course for the IHL play-offs.
The Hillsborough side were simply unstoppable, as they romped seven goals past Rovers, Peter MacDonnell and Greg Thompson scoring the other goals.
Two goals from David Ames and Ian Hutchinson gave Cookstown a 3-1 win over Annadale, and a slim hope of qualification for the play-offs, but Annadale’s third defeat, means their IHL dream has ended.
Banbridge squandered a 3-1 advantage against Corinthian in Dublin, as they ended up drawing three-a piece, and now face an uphill challenge to qualify for the finals. Ross McCandless, Dane Ward and an own goal, secured a point for Bann.
Instonians lost ground on their push for the play offs, after they went down to Pembroke Wanderers 3-0.
Irish Hockey Trophy
Civil Service are Dublin bound after they reached their first Irish Hockey Trophy final, when they edged out Antrim in a closely fought game.
Twice Antrim came back to level the match. Aaron Gill put Service into the lead, but Neil McCullough levelled it for Antrim. Colin Irwin restored Service’s lead after the turn, however Antrim were back in it, when Stuart McIlroy squared the game.
But with five minutes remaining, Peter Johnston smashed the ball home to put Service into the March 21 final, where they will meet Suttonians, who conquered Belfast Harlequins 2-1, with Steve McGrati the only scorer for Harlequins.
Irish Hockey Challenge
This season’s Irish Challenge competition decended into a complete farce, after the favourites and current holders Campbellians withdrew, when their Dublin opponents, St Brendans decided to play the semi-final of a national competition, on a grass surface.
With St Brendan’s refusing to change their decision, the Belfast side felt they had no other option but to withdraw. And Ulster interest in the competition ended, when Larne went out in the other semi final to Limerick 3-0.
Premiership/Senior Round up
Mossley eased their relegation worries, when they reversed last week’s scoreline against Raphoe, to win 3-0. First half goals from Simon Todd and Chris O’Flaherty and another goal in the second half from Andy Coulter, gave Mossley three welcome points and left Raphoe at the foot of the table.
Down look destined to return to Senior Two after Queens smashed six goals past them, to leave them at the bottom of the table. Chris Barnes bagged five of PSNI’s goals, as they also knocked six past Ballymena.
Results
Irish Hockey League 3rd Round
Pool A
Instonains 0 Pembroke Wanderers 3
Cork Harlequins 3 Monkstown 2
Corinthian 3 Banbridge 3
Pool B
Cork CofI 1 Glenanne 4
Cookstown 3 Annadale 1
Lisnagarvey 7 Three Rock Rovers 0
Irish Hockey Trophy
Civil Service 3 Antrim 2
Belfast Harlequins 1 Suttonians 2
Irish Hockey Challenge
St Brendans V Campbellians (Campbellians withdrew)
Limerick 3 Larne 0
Premiership
Mossley 3 Raphoe 0
Senior One
Down 1 Queens 6
Cliftonville 0 Portadown 5
Senior Two
PSNI 6 Ballymena 2
Omagh 1 Saintfield 0
Posted by
Ulster Hockey Review
Tags:
Irish Hockey Challenge,
Irish Hockey League,
Irish Hockey Trophy,
Linden Cup,
Premier League,
Senior League
Comments
3
Feast of Hockey for fans
By Phil Allen
Hockey fans can look forward to a feast of hockey this weekend, as they are simply spoilt for choice where to go.
First up, it is round three of the Irish Hockey League, with crucial games both north and south. Then it is the semi-final stage of the Irish Trophy and the Irish Challenge, with Ulster teams involved in all the semi-finals.
Next, there is Premiership and Senior league action, with one or two relegation battles to be sorted out.
And, finally on Sunday, it is the Linden Cup final between Armagh and South Antrim, and let’s hope they can get it played this time round.
If that is not enough hockey, you can also catch live World Cup action on the ‘box’ from India.
So there you are, take your pick.
Irish Hockey League
Defeat this week in the Irish Hockey League for Lisnagarvey could mean another season without any silverware in the trophy cabinet at their Hillsborough headquarters, and that simply by Garvey standards is unacceptable.
Last week, Garvey squandered a two goal advantage to let their same opponents this week, Three Rock Rovers, progress to the semi-finals of the Irish Senior Cup.
So, Garvey can exact revenge on Rovers by winning, and winning in style, securing a bonus point and keeping their IHL dream alive. They currently top Pool B and a win would put them on course for the May play-offs.
Meanwhile, in the all-Ulster clash between Cookstown and Annadale, defeat for either side could mean they miss out in the finals for another season.
In Pool A, second placed Instonians welcome the current Irish champions, Pembroke Wanderers to Shaws Bridge. In the same fixture last season, Wanderers were strolling to a comfortable win, when Inst staged a remarkable comeback to level it, but they will hope to go one step further on Saturday.
Inst have to decide this week whether to go for youth or experience and bring back Nigel Skillen in goal or go with Ulster Under 21 keeper Alastair Thom, who has been in outstanding form between the sticks the last couple of weeks.
Banbridge head south for their third pool game against Dublin side Corinthian. Both sides crashed out of the ISC last Saturday and a win for Bann could see them back in the reckoning for the play-offs.
Irish Hockey Trophy
It’s the all-Ulster semi-final between Civil Service and Antrim that whets the appetite. It’s a repeat of last season’s semi which Antrim edged 5-4.
Service look to have already the Senior One title in the bag, and have the Irish Trophy fixed firmly in their sights, after missing out last season.
But Antrim, may just have other ideas, as they lost 6-5 to North Down in the final last time around and are determined to rectify that matter.
In the other semi-final, Belfast Harlequins face a tough test when they welcome Dublin side Suttonians, who are top of Division Two in the Leinster league.
Irish Hockey Challenge
Challenge Cup holders Campbellians make the trip to Dublin, where they take on St. Brendan’s in the first semi final.
Campbellians, who are undefeated this season, are poised to step up into Senior One, and look too strong for a side who are languishing in the bottom half of Division Four in the Leinster league.
Larne make the long trip to Limerick this week for the other semi-final clash. Limerick thumped four goals past Portrush in last week’s quarter-final clash, and a Larne side who are struggling to find any form this season, will do well to make it an all-Ulster final.
Premiership and Senior League
If Raphoe can repeat their result last week against Mossley this Saturday, the Premiership relegation battle will go into the melting pot.
Another win this week for Raphoe will see them leap frog from the foot of the table over Mossley and go one point behind Bangor, with two games in hand over the seasiders.
The County Donegal side looked down and out but they are far from it, and will be determined to stay in the top flight.
It is a bottom of the table clash between Down and Queens in Senior One. Defeat for Down will mean a quick return to Senior Two, as they were only promoted last season.
In the other game in Senior One, it is just a matter of who can finish higher in the table, Cliftonville or Portadown?
PSNI will be hoping they can take the runner-up slot in Senior Two, as Campbellians have the title all-but in the bag. They should see off this week’s opponents Ballymena, with Parkview looking too strong for Foyle, and Omagh and Saintfield sharing the spoils.
Linden Cup Final
South Antrim and Armagh will try and play the Linden Cup Final, at the third time of asking, this Sunday (2.30pm).
Already postponed twice because of severe frost, both sides are hoping that the weather pundits have it right this weekend, and the game should go ahead.
As far as league encounters this season, it is one each in games, but in their last meeting South Antrim smashed five past Armagh without reply.
The Lisburn based side are hoping for a top four finish, to book a place in the Kirk Cup next season, when they can take on a couple of the ‘big-guns’ of premiership.
For Armagh, under the experienced eye of coach, Robbi McMinn, it has been somewhat of a disappointing season, with only three wins under their belt.
Lifting the Linden would go some way to make up for their disappointing season, but South Antrim look favourites to complete the double over Armagh, after they defeated them 3-2 in last season’s final.
Hockey fans can look forward to a feast of hockey this weekend, as they are simply spoilt for choice where to go.
First up, it is round three of the Irish Hockey League, with crucial games both north and south. Then it is the semi-final stage of the Irish Trophy and the Irish Challenge, with Ulster teams involved in all the semi-finals.
Next, there is Premiership and Senior league action, with one or two relegation battles to be sorted out.
And, finally on Sunday, it is the Linden Cup final between Armagh and South Antrim, and let’s hope they can get it played this time round.
If that is not enough hockey, you can also catch live World Cup action on the ‘box’ from India.
So there you are, take your pick.
Irish Hockey League
Defeat this week in the Irish Hockey League for Lisnagarvey could mean another season without any silverware in the trophy cabinet at their Hillsborough headquarters, and that simply by Garvey standards is unacceptable.
Last week, Garvey squandered a two goal advantage to let their same opponents this week, Three Rock Rovers, progress to the semi-finals of the Irish Senior Cup.
So, Garvey can exact revenge on Rovers by winning, and winning in style, securing a bonus point and keeping their IHL dream alive. They currently top Pool B and a win would put them on course for the May play-offs.
Meanwhile, in the all-Ulster clash between Cookstown and Annadale, defeat for either side could mean they miss out in the finals for another season.
In Pool A, second placed Instonians welcome the current Irish champions, Pembroke Wanderers to Shaws Bridge. In the same fixture last season, Wanderers were strolling to a comfortable win, when Inst staged a remarkable comeback to level it, but they will hope to go one step further on Saturday.
Inst have to decide this week whether to go for youth or experience and bring back Nigel Skillen in goal or go with Ulster Under 21 keeper Alastair Thom, who has been in outstanding form between the sticks the last couple of weeks.
Banbridge head south for their third pool game against Dublin side Corinthian. Both sides crashed out of the ISC last Saturday and a win for Bann could see them back in the reckoning for the play-offs.
Irish Hockey Trophy
It’s the all-Ulster semi-final between Civil Service and Antrim that whets the appetite. It’s a repeat of last season’s semi which Antrim edged 5-4.
Service look to have already the Senior One title in the bag, and have the Irish Trophy fixed firmly in their sights, after missing out last season.
But Antrim, may just have other ideas, as they lost 6-5 to North Down in the final last time around and are determined to rectify that matter.
In the other semi-final, Belfast Harlequins face a tough test when they welcome Dublin side Suttonians, who are top of Division Two in the Leinster league.
Irish Hockey Challenge
Challenge Cup holders Campbellians make the trip to Dublin, where they take on St. Brendan’s in the first semi final.
Campbellians, who are undefeated this season, are poised to step up into Senior One, and look too strong for a side who are languishing in the bottom half of Division Four in the Leinster league.
Larne make the long trip to Limerick this week for the other semi-final clash. Limerick thumped four goals past Portrush in last week’s quarter-final clash, and a Larne side who are struggling to find any form this season, will do well to make it an all-Ulster final.
Premiership and Senior League
If Raphoe can repeat their result last week against Mossley this Saturday, the Premiership relegation battle will go into the melting pot.
Another win this week for Raphoe will see them leap frog from the foot of the table over Mossley and go one point behind Bangor, with two games in hand over the seasiders.
The County Donegal side looked down and out but they are far from it, and will be determined to stay in the top flight.
It is a bottom of the table clash between Down and Queens in Senior One. Defeat for Down will mean a quick return to Senior Two, as they were only promoted last season.
In the other game in Senior One, it is just a matter of who can finish higher in the table, Cliftonville or Portadown?
PSNI will be hoping they can take the runner-up slot in Senior Two, as Campbellians have the title all-but in the bag. They should see off this week’s opponents Ballymena, with Parkview looking too strong for Foyle, and Omagh and Saintfield sharing the spoils.
Linden Cup Final
South Antrim and Armagh will try and play the Linden Cup Final, at the third time of asking, this Sunday (2.30pm).
Already postponed twice because of severe frost, both sides are hoping that the weather pundits have it right this weekend, and the game should go ahead.
As far as league encounters this season, it is one each in games, but in their last meeting South Antrim smashed five past Armagh without reply.
The Lisburn based side are hoping for a top four finish, to book a place in the Kirk Cup next season, when they can take on a couple of the ‘big-guns’ of premiership.
For Armagh, under the experienced eye of coach, Robbi McMinn, it has been somewhat of a disappointing season, with only three wins under their belt.
Lifting the Linden would go some way to make up for their disappointing season, but South Antrim look favourites to complete the double over Armagh, after they defeated them 3-2 in last season’s final.
