Lisnagarvey stretch lead after convincing win over Banbridge

Lisnagarvey’s imperious form continued in the men’s EY Hockey League as they blew away Banbridge 4-0, further strengthening their position at the top of the table.

In the past two weeks, they have beaten both of their nearest rivals without conceding, making it eight wins in succession. With a seven-point lead and having played both of the other sides in the top three twice, they just need to hold their nerve against the lower-ranked sides over the next two months to land the regular season title.

Andy Williamson's slap and a Timmy Cockram drag-flick – both created by Mikey Watt – gave them a 2-0 half-time lead against Banbridge. Daniel Buser scored twice in the closing six minutes to add the gloss.

Monkstown eased passed Pembroke 3-0 to strengthen their hold on second place while Three Rock Rovers edged out Railway Union 1-0 to move back into fourth.

Result of the day went to bottom side Cookstown with Andrew McWhirter’s goal six minutes from time landing them a 3-2 win over previously high-flying Glenanne.

Ill-fated affair

Elsewhere, Queen’s University’s Euro Hockey Indoor Club Champions Challenge I proved an ill-fated affair as they finished seventh in Bulgaria, dropping Ireland to the fourth tier for 2017.

In the relegation pool, they lost 13-1 to Cardiff and Met before losing 6-3 to NSA Sofia yesterday morning.

Queen’s won the Irish championship in 2015 by default as Ulster champions after a scheduling mess meant no Leinster side was sent to the playoffs. Leinster had provided the Irish national representative for more than 20 years.