Men's Hockey: Two 1-1 draws left all four teams still in the running for the all-Ireland laurels at Garryduff yesterday, though the honours will most likely go to Lisnagarvey or Annadale, who each collected three points whereas Aer Lingus and Harlequins had one apiece.
Today, the crucial factor for both Ulster sides could be goal difference as Lisnagarvey (4-2) were meeting Aer Lingus this morning, leaving Annadale (5-4) knowing their target figure against Harlequins.
Lisnagarvey and Annadale shared the points yesterday in a high-tempo match. Annadale attacked with greater verve in the first half as Graham Shaw, Chris Jackson and Ian Hamilton were denied a breakthrough by sharp goalkeeping from David Williamson.
At the other end, Steven Redpath took a shot off the line from Kevin Lunn as Mark Robinson and Mark Raphael pressed forward for the Irish Senior Cup holders.
It was Lisnagarvey who seized the lead early in the second half when John Gray linked up with Brian Waring to leave Tim Cockram free to show his reverse-stick prowess. Deservedly, Annadale equalised with seven minutes to spare when Jackson forced an opening for Redpath to nudge the ball home.
The game that followed was less polished but full blooded as Harlequins had to be satisfied with a division of the spoils with Aer Lingus.
Harlequins went in front through David Eakins from a penalty stroke earned from a short corner midway through the opening half. But Aer Lingus plundered an equaliser in the 25th minute when David Bane pierced the cover for Adrian Sweeney to lash a lightning shot to the net.
Harlequins were the more constant aggressors in a second half in which Richie Gash was unfortunate not to score while conversion of a last-minute chance eluded David Lombard.
Aer Lingus merited their point, though. Nigel Grothier gave another valuable performance in goal. He was outstanding on Saturday against Annadale, whose 4-3 win was achieved only two minutes from the end, when Ian Hamilton completed his hat-trick.
Ivan Steen did most of the damage in Lisnagarvey's 3-1 defeat of Harlequins.
