IF AVOCA, in their centenary season, are to carry off the Irish Senior Cup for the first time, they will need to beat Lisnagarvey in the semi-finals or final - which they have failed to do on half a dozen occasions.
While both top-of-the range sides achieved, 4-2 victories in Saturday's quarter-finals, Lisnagarvey possibly made the greater impact in sweeping into a 3-0 lead through Robbie Taylor, Julian Stevenson and Brian Waring after 17 minutes against the holders, Instonians, at Olympia.
Ultimately, though, a virtuoso goal by the Lisburn club's fresh recruit, Mark Tumilty, was required to seal their passage after Mervyn Cooke and Paul Cooke had responded for Instonians.
Similarly, it was Avoca's paysan, Robert Ryan, who finally crushed Annadale's fiery resistance in an invigorating tie which went to extra-time at Glenageary after a 2-2 joust over 70 minutes. Enda Gallanagh sent Munsterman Ryan bursting clear for the telling blow.
There was some assurance, too, in the well executed short-corner put away by Nigel Kingston, combining with Philip Sarratt and Mark Cullen, to make it 3-2. Generally, Avoca now may well have a blend of sufficient punch and guile to win the trophy at last.
Annadale, though, gave them a good stretching, with Colin Jackson and Andrew Smyth breaching the cover after Galahad Goulet had opened the scoring. Indeed, the home supporters were having some anxiety until the long-serving J P Murphy levelled matters in the 61st minute.
As regards Cork C of I and Holywood, it seems that they can have no more than supporting roles (especially if one of them were to reach the final). Holywood were charmed to edge out Three Rock Rovers (2-1) at Grange Road where it was a tale of contrasting fortunes for the country's two leading strikers.
Kenny Morris, with a diving connection after five minutes and a short-corner rocket 90 seconds from the end, won the tie for the Ulstermen whereas Liam Canning - though setting up Simon Walker for an admirable equaliser - failed to score for the home side. Notably, he had a penalty stroke saved with elan by Kyle Thompson.
John McKee also played a valuable role for Holywood in subduing Robin Madeley while Michael Irvine was another industrious figure for the visitors. Yet Rovers had more opportunity to survive, for Angus Dunlop took most of the impetus out of the Holywood attacks and Rick Johnson dominated centre midfield but, for once, Canning's shots were off the target, barely.
C of I have reached a stage in their reemergence where they could be ranked as third-best side in the country. They coped well with Pembroke Wanderers' visit in the Garryduff reunion in which Darren Hanna sank the winner early in extra-time from a cross by his brother, Colin. The occasion was full of hockey household names, with Ger Burns giving C of I the lead from a corner and Andy Cooke keeping Pembroke in contention with a second-half equaliser before his fellow Corkmen prevailed.
The draw for the semi-finals of the Nissan-sponsored competition will be made next Saturday.
