MEN'S HOCKEY: Apart from Johnny Weir's hat-trick which wiped out a 2-0 deficit to gain a 3-2 victory for Raphoe at Cookstown, the only other surprise in the third round of the Irish Senior Cup on Saturday was the slim margin, 2-1, of Instonians' defeat of UCD at Belfield.
That scoreline, linked to the comprehensive 4-1 and 3-0 wins attained by Glenanne and Pembroke Wanderers in Belfast, would suggest that, again, there may not be a substantial challenge from Ulster this season. Lisnagarvey, who beat Aer Lingus 3-1 at Blaris, looked the strongest contenders.
Nigel Henderson was required to be at his sharpest before Pembroke took control with a goal by Gordon Elliott and Justin Sherriff added a brace in the second half. At Stormont, Glenanne led 2-0 at the interval and cruised when John Goulding put them three up.
Three Rock Rovers and Monkstown both finished up with 4-0 wins after tenacious first-half resistance by their visitors, Bangor and UCC, respectively.
Avoca were Leinster's highest scorers of the day with a 6-2 defeat of Newry at Rathdown. In the local derby at Ballinteer, a first-minute connection by Colin Stewart and a contribution by Dave McFeeley earned a 2-0 advance for Corinthians against YMCA.
