Saturday, March 28: The drama continued into round 16 of the EY Hockey League as underdogs secured vital points, and the battle for survival raged on. New table toppers emerged in the Women’s EYHL2, while unbeaten Men’s sides continued their dominance as topflight promotion beckons.
In the Women’s EYHL, Pembroke Wanderers stunned Loreto to record a 3-2 win to keep their survival hopes alive. Ulster Elks and Old Alex shared the points after a 2-2 draw, with Old Alex securing the bonus point to remain in sixth. Portadown beat Ulster rivals Pegasus to avoid slipping into the relegation zone. And Queen’s University secured a drawing bonus point away to Railway Union to solidify their place at fifth.
In the Men’s EYHL, Monkstown came from two goals down against Banbridge to draw two all and take the bonus point, damaging Bann’s title hopes. Lisnagarvey took advantage of the slip up to go two points clear at the top, beating Cookstown away from home. Pembroke Wanderers made no mistake against fellow Leinster side YMCA to climb into third. Avoca took points off Three Rock Rovers for the second time this season, recording a 2-2 draw, but the hosts got the last laugh taking the bonus point from the shootout. And Corinthian hit Cork C of I for six to add another three points to their tally and further bolster their chances of an EY Champions Trophy Play-Off place.
In the Women’s EYHL2, Avoca took the opportunity to summit the table, beating Belfast Harlequins 4 – 0 at home. Monkstown and UCC both kept pace to go level on points with Ards, beating Lisnagarvey and Cork Harlequins, respectively. And Trinity Ladies’ secured their first win of the campaign, beating University of Galway at home.
In the Men’s EYHL2, Cork Harlequins remained top with a 3-1 win away to CI Annadale, with Portrane keeping pace with a comfortable win over Bray. Instonians remained within a point of the promotion places with their win over fellow Ulster side South Antrim. Queen’s University secured a 5-1 win at home to Bandon. And Clontarf continued their fine form with victory at home to Catholic Institute.
EY Hockey League – Results
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Women
Queen’s University 2 [2 – 1] 2 Railway Union
Catholic Institute 1 – 0 UCD
Loreto 2 – 3 Pembroke Wanderers
Ulster Elks 2 [1 – 3] 2 Old Alex
Pegasus 0 – 2 Portadown
Women’s EYHL Standings
- Loreto – 36pts
- Railway Union – 31pts
- UCD – 28pts
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Pegasus – 23pts
- Queen’s University – 22pts
- Old Alex – 20pts
- Portadown – 19pts
- Catholic Institute – 19pts
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Ulster Elks – 19pts
- Pembroke Wanderers – 17pts
EY Hockey League Division 1 – Men
Monkstown 2 [3 – 0] 2 Banbridge
Three Rock Rovers 2 [4 – 3] 2 Avoca
Corinthian 6 – 0 Cork C of I
Cookstown 2 – 5 Lisnagarvey
Pembroke Wanderers 3 – 1 YMCA
Men’s EYHL Standings
- Lisnagarvey – 35pts
- Banbridge – 33pts
- Pembroke Wanderers – 26pts
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Three Rock Rovers – 25pts
- Monkstown – 24pts
- Avoca – 23pts
- Corinthian – 22pts
- YMCA – 17pts
- Cookstown – 6pts
- Cork C of I – 5pts
EY Hockey League Division 2 – Women
Trinity Ladies’ 2 – 0 University of Galway
Avoca 4 – 0 Belfast Harlequins
Monkstown 6 – 0 Lisnagarvey
UCC 4 – 0 Cork Harlequins
Women’s EYHL2 Standings
-
Avoca – 15pts
- Ards – 14pts
- UCC – 14pts
- Monkstown – 14pts
- Belfast Harlequins – 11pts
- University of Galway – 6pts
- Trinity Ladies’ – 4pt
- Cork Harlequins – 4pts
- Lisnagarvey – 2pts
EY Hockey League Division 2 – Men
Bray 0 – 7 Portrane
CI Annadale 1 – 3 Cork Harlequins
Queen’s University 5 – 1 Bandon
South Antrim 2 – 5 Instonians
Clontarf 5 – 0 Catholic Institute
Men’s EYHL2 Standings
- Cork Harlequins – 18pts
- Portrane – 17pts
- Instonians – 16pts
- Clontarf – 12pts
- Queen’s University – 12pts
-
South Antrim – 9pts
- Catholic Institute – 4pts
- CI Annadale – 3pts
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Bray – 3pts
- Bandon – 2pts