HOCKEY: Lisnagarvey too strong for Banbridge in EY League

Daniel Buser’s double in the last six minutes added a late gloss to the scoreline as Bann had numerous chances, especially from corners, to close the gap. But Garvey led throughout, taking the lead early via Andy Williamson from Mikey Watt’s prompting.

Timmy Cockram doubled up for 2-0 in the second quarter before Bann came back strong but Eugene Magee and Stephen Dowds were denied on numerous occasions to scupper their chances of a result.

Three Rock Rovers returned to the top four thanks to a 1-0 win over Railway Union as their counter-attack game proved the difference. Harry Morris deflected home the winner in the third quarter from turnover ball for the game’s only goal.

It moves them back above Glenanne who were beaten 3-2 by bottom-placed Cookstown in Tallaght. Indeed, the Co Tyrone side’s only points this season have come against the Glens, winning 5-1 in the first series of fixtures before Christmas.

Greg Allen and Shannon Boucher exchanged early goals while Ryan Millar and Joe Brennan did likewise before Andrew McWhirter carried the day for Cookstown.

The result moves Cookstown level with Annadale on points but they are behind on goal difference in the battle to avoid automatic relegation.

For Dale’s part, James Cox struck a last minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Cork C of I. Andrew Daunt’s second quarter goal had given the Garryduff side the lead but the Lough Moss hosts fought back in the closing stages to earn the share of the spoils.

Monkstown, meanwhile, were comfortable winners over Pembroke for a third time this season, this time running up a 3-0 scoreline at Serpentine Avenue. Peter Caruth and Geoff Cole made it 2-0 by the 11th minute while Lee Cole close out the tie with a corner push. It strengthens their place in the EY Champions Trophy playoff places.