Bann start IHL campaign with Shawsbridge trip

Coach Mark Tumilty will have to wait to Thursday evening practice to confirm his squad, giving Stephen Forbes and Hugh McShane the maximum time to allow their niggling injuries to heal, while Josh Moffatt looks set for a return with the second string on Saturday at Lisnagarvey.

Last season Bann played Inst on four occasions with Inst inflicting Bann’s only defeats in the Ulster League.

However the tables turned in the national competitions with Bann winning the Irish Hockey League tie 1-0 in November at Havelock and 3-2 in a pulsating Irish Cup tie in Belfast.

The Belfast side have had an interesting summer with coach David Scott departing - his replacement is due to be declared this week. Irish international Paul Gleghorne returned home from England to bolster an already strong defence.

On the field Instonians have started the season indifferently, exiting the Kirk Cup last weekend to Lisnagarvey and being held to a point at rejuvenated Mossley on the opening weekend of the Ulster League.

However the old boys are notorious for the big occasions and have an impressive pedigree in Irish competitions in the last decade.

It promises to be a great game with both teams knowing a good start is crucial in a tough group containing Irish champions Pembroke, Leinster’s dark horses Dublin YM and Monkstown and Munster Kingpins Cork Harlequins.

A bumper crowd is expected for the Saturday evening fixture at the south Belfast venue. So get along and support the boys.

Saturday October 9 - Instonians v Banbridge, 6pm hit off, Shawsbridge.