DRAGON SLAYERS?

Garvey have now selected their 16 man panel for their European Hockey League trip to Amsterdam at Easter.

The tournament is the most important for the club for many seasons. A place in the last 16 in European hockey is in itself a superb achievement, but success during the weekend of March 28-30 could herald an even greater boost for the club which has blazed the trail for Irish teams since as far back as 1970.

In the early years it was the European Cup ‘A’ division which was the goal of every club side in Ireland, and Garvey competed at this level on no fewer than seven occasions with a highest place of sixth in Amsterdam back in 1992.

The original tournament was replaced by the European Hockey League in 2007 and took on a totally different format. Only the club champions of their country can represent Ireland in the competition and by winning the trophy in 2012, Garvey became that team, progressing to the last 32 in East Grinstead in October last year.

Their performance in England was of the highest order, three goals adrift to Lille, they managed to draw a magnificent match which left them having to avoid a 7-0 beating by Bloemendaal to see them through to the last 16. Again Garvey rose to the occasion and survived with a 0-3 defeat having held the crack Dutch team to 0-0 for 60 minutes.

Their qualification for the final 16 places in Amsterdam was somewhat of a surprise but their determination and defensive efforts fully deserved their inclusion. Now they face another pedigree European side in the shape of Belgian champions, KHC Dragons.

This is the Belgian teams third EHL in succession and last season they became the first team from their country to gain a medal when they finished third, beating Rotterdam HC in the process.

The enormity of Garvey’s task in Amsterdam is obvious but as always, the squad will be well prepared for the tournament and will hope to respond and perform with typical Lisnagarvey pugnacity in a very testing situation.

The 16 man squad is as follows; Jonny Bell (captain), Steven Arbuthnot (vice-capt), John Tormey, Brian Waring, Richard Arneill, Johnny Quigley, Daniel Buser, Mark Raphael, Peter MacDonnell, Andy Forrest, Timmy Cockram, Greg Thompson, Stuart McNiece, Andy McCann, Luke Campbell and Philip Stirling.

As always, there are a number of players who are unlucky to miss the trip, Glen Whitten, James Dowling and Peter Bland have all played a part in the season, while James Lorimer joined the club just a few weeks too late to qualify for the tournament.

The team will be coached by Kyle Lunn, assisted by Errol Lutton, while the manager is Nigel Howard and the physio is Chris Bleakely.

Already, a large number of people have booked their places for this high quality hockey trip and Garvey hope to have strong support in Amsterdam for the game against Dragons on Friday March 29 at 5pm.