Lads bounce back with IHL win in Cookstown

Men’s Irish Hockey League – round one
Pool A

Pembroke and Lisnagarvey pulled off narrow victories over Cookstown and Instonians, respectively, to keep pace with Three Rock Rovers who had things all their own way against Cork Harlequins.

In Steelweld Park, Cookstown rode some early pressure, with Ian Hughes making a couple of great saves, before hitting the front against Pembroke via Mark Crooks’ reverse-stick effort in the second quarter. Pembroke’s pace in midfield, most notably from their number 8 Keith Crawford, wore down Cookstown’s tired legs to win three corners in quick succession.

The Serpentine team’s formidable corner routine was in full flow as they levelled the score just before the half thanks to Conor Harte.

Mossie was keen to score having failed to register all of last week whilst on a mid-season training camp with the elite of the ladies 3rds team. Alan Sothern knocked one in in each of the third and fourth quarters to make it 3-1. Tim Hill was unlucky not to win a stroke after one of the Cookstown defenders took a liking to him and hopped on his back whilst the umpire wasn’t looking.

Jonathan Ames got one back with four minutes to go to make for an exciting finish. Two late cards for Pembroke meant they were down to 9, Shanahan left it late but kept his fine run of cards going and stepped off the pitch for some much needed rest with two minutes to play. The Cookstown side got a corner with the last play of the game but it was saved superbly by Mark Ingram. The Tyrone side still gained a losing bonus point but look like they’ll have their work cut out to push for the semi-final spots.

Mark Loughrey

Pembroke Wanderers Remaining Fixtures

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Irish Hockey League Pool A standings 02/03/2014