Crunch time as Garvey battle for Irish Hockey League title

Garvey have not won this trophy since it was known as the Club Championships and they will be particularly keen to do so at their own headquarters; the prize being entry to the elite European Hockey League next season.

At this stage of any competition the opposition is the best and this tournament is no different with the other teams in the three match format being Banbridge, Glennane and Garvey’s first opponents, Pembroke Wanderers. The match takes place at 5pm on Saturday preceded by Banbridge who take on Glennane at 3pm. The final is scheduled for 4pm on Sunday.

Garvey went through their five game series in the I.H.L. unbeaten but were pipped to top spot in their group by Glennane and now face Pembroke Wanderers who suffered a disasterous trip to the E.H.L in Amsterdam last weekend where they were trounced by Club de Campo from Madrid by 11 goals to nil.

This result could not have done anything for Pembroke’s confidence and if Garvey start fast against them they could well set themselves up for a final place on Sunday.

On the other hand, Pembroke still have a number of very good players and they will be extra keen to make up for their serious defeat against the Spaniards.

Garvey with the full support of the club behind them are looking forward to the weekend following their recent success in the Premier League which they won unbeaten.

The chance of taking part in the top hockey tournament in Europe should drive Garvey to the limit of their efforts remembering their last tilt at European competition in Zurich in 2005 where they came so close to success.

The fact that the Garvey squad contains so many young players who would benefit from the rise in quality of the tournament, will also be a large incentive for all concerned.

The Garvey squad is as follows, John Gray [capt], Alex McRoberts [GK] Steven Arbuthnot, Brian Waring, Johnny Bell, Patrick Martin, Jason Lynch, Mark Raphael, Mark Daniel, Timmy Cockram, Glen Whitten,Greg Thompson, Daniel Buser, Michael Harte, Andy Forrest, Luke Campbell[GK],Richard Arneill, Adam Fallis.