eyeing up

Due to the weather and a bereavement at Kilkeel Hockey Club last week, his side have yet to play a competitive game in 2014.

However, it’s back to action for them tonight (Tuesday) with a trip to take on Mossley in the Ulster Premier League. The games are coming quick as Cookstown then visit Havelock on Saturday, Belfast Harlequins next Tuesday and that’s all in the build-up to the much-anticipated Irish Senior Cup clash with Monkstown on the following Saturday.

That all means there’s much to consider for Tumilty.

“These next few games are as much about building up to the Monkstown game but at the same time, we have to make sure that we don’t slip up, especially if Garvey do. They play Instonians on Thursday so that’s a potential banana skin for them. They’ve also got Annadale still to come.

“We’ve a packed couple of weeks and then nothing again for a fortnight.

“I’m happy enough to have the three matches coming so soon before the Monkstown game though. It gives us a chance to play some hockey and gives us a chance to get players back into the panel.”

Tumilty is hoping to use those games to get some of the club’s injured players back into action before the Cup clash.

He said: “We’ll have the two Magees, Eugene and Owen, coming back in. Owen has missed most of the season but he’s coming back in now so that will help.

“Ross Beattie will be available again, as will Jonny McKee. It’s great to get all those boys back in. I’ve probably got 15 of my 16 strongest players, apart from Dane Ward.”