Swift open their defence of Knockout Cup

Going into the break 5-2 down, the champions set out their strongest order only to come up short, thanks mainly to a fine hat-trick from Andrew Mackey, a brace from Hugh Regan and the rest of the team chipping in. Best for the holders was Rab Butler with a brace.

Greenisland Colts lost out 8-3 at Doagh Weapons who maintained their 100 per cent start to the season. Galacticos’ Paul Harris landed a hat-trick in the narrow 8-7 win away to Rathcoole team, Eastway.

Hugh McMurty’s Cowboys ran out 8-0 winners over Alpha, while the Teddy Bears travelled to Whitehead to take on the Trojans. With very little to separate the teams, the Teddy Bears progress to the next round after taking both sessions 4-3.

Next week’s fixtures throw up some table-changing matches.

New boys on the block, Doagh Weapons, face their first real challenge away to GWMSC. Can the Champions steady the ship as they travel to a rejuvenated Scorpions and can the Swift hold on to top spot travelling to an in-form Teddy Bears?

Elsewhere, Spartans will hope to stay in contention with a tricky in-house match with Trojans.

Eastway travel to Cowboys and Hitmen and Her jump into unknown waters as they take on the Colts.

Rounding up the week’s action, Clare Roberts takes her ever-improving Warriors to face Alpha.