Two Gareth Watkins goals in the closing eight minutes saw Monkstown, gunning for a fourth national title in succession, snatch a last gasp 2-1 win over Railway Union.

It provided an upbeat end to what was a sketchy start for the sky-blues on the day when Irish hockey entered a new era with the first action of the EY Hockey League, the first all-Ireland full season national competition.

Town have bossed the short-form IHL in recent times but found the going tough at Park Avenue against a side predicted to struggle in this maiden season.

Indeed, Jonny Caren – taking over from Graham Shaw in the coaching role – saw his side fall behind in the second quarter to Mateusz Nowakowski’s deflected effort. And that single goal lead remained in situ for a long time as Stephen O’Keeffe, back after a year abroad, made a string of saves for Railway.

But a loose tackle on Davy Carson earned Town a penalty stroke inside the last 10 minutes that Watkins netted. And, with Railway legs tiring, Watkins was again on hand on tip in Jonny Bruton’s reverse-stick shot to nick the win.

Lisnagarvey were the other big winners, beating Pembroke in an international-laden affair at Serpentine Avenue. A debut goal from Neal Glassey ultimately proved the difference as he added to efforts from James Lorimer and Timmy Cockram, seeing off the hosts 3-2 despite two goals from Alan Sothern, back in Ireland after a spell in Belgium.

Three Rock Rovers were confident 4-1 winners over Glenanne with Peter Blakeney scoring a brace against a side coached by Joe Brennan, the Rovers boss for the past three seasons while Cork C of I had a similar scoreline against Cookstown with Irish record goalscorer John Jermyn getting a hat-trick in their 4-1 success. Banbridge saw off Annadale 3-1 in an all-Ulster affair at Havelock Park.