This weekend sees the top four mens and ladies womens teams travel to Banbridge for the Irish Hockey League finals!
Courtesy of the lads 3-1 win over Pembroke on Saturday, they have gone through as 2nd in the group, with Lisnagarvey top. The lads started Saturdays game knowing that no matter what else happened winning by two clear goals would see them through. They started the first half well going 2-0 up courtesy of Peter Blakeney and Alan White. A string of corners in a poor 3rd corner were well kept out by Westy although a defensive error at the half way line gave Pembroke a life line as they overloaded and nabbed one back. At 2-1 it was a nervy game, before Jody slotted home in the 4th quarter to ease some of the pressure. It became a vital goal as Lisnagarvey won 3-2 in the final few minutes of their game meaning Rovers went through on goal difference.
This weekend therefore is their last of the season. The semi finals take place on Saturday with the following schedule:
10.30: Loreto v UCD
12.30: Railway v Pegasus
3pm: Monkstown v TRR
5pm: Lisnagarvey v Banbridge
The finals take place on Sunday with the womens final at 1pm, and the mens at 4.30pm.
This is the first year that Banbridge have hosted the IHL finals and they are promising to put on a show. Having hosted the event many times before we should all know the difference a crowd makes and the effort that goes into these events. Please show your support to both Banbridge hockey club and our lads as they look to make this a weekend to remember.
All details of local venues, supporters info etc can be found at banbridges website:
http://www.banbridgehockeyclub.com
In what has been a fruitful and enjoyable year so far we hope to see as many of you as possible up north at the weekend as the lads face this final push of the season.! Club colours and plenty of cheering are non-negotiable for anyone travelling up!
** In other mens news the Galtrim cup mix of youth and experience won out 6-2 over Wicklow to progress to the next stage. Conor Empey grabbed 4 while Findo and Slava scored the others. Elsewhere the mens 4ths drew 3-3 with Mullingar to remain 2nd in their division. The 3rds game was called off during the week.
