WEEKEND HOCKEY:MONKSTOWN MUST travel to Hillsborough for the semi-final of the Irish Senior Cup. The south Dublin side will have been extremely pleased with their day's work at Grange Road, where they ousted Three Rock Rovers from the competition against the form, but they were then drawn against one of the toughest teams to beat at home, Lisnagarvey.
Three Rock Rovers were followed out of the premier Irish competition by Cork Harlequins, who lost at home to 'Garvey, while Ulster League leaders, Cookstown, were beaten by Pembroke at Serpentine Avenue by a comprehensive 3-1.
Annadale also lost 2-1 to Instonians. In the second semi-final to be played next month, Pembroke were drawn at home against Instonians.
But Monkstown's 1-0 win over Rovers was the main shock of the round with their lone goal coming from their Czech forward Filip Jaros. The home side will be licking their wounds today as they had two opportunities to wrap up the match from the penalty spot. Peter McConnell, however, had both of his efforts saved. It puts Monkstown into their first Senior Cup semi-final for a long time and, despite being asked to produce another big game if they are to make the final, they will travel as a true cup side, as underdogs but largely unknown to 'Garvey.
Pembroke played to form hitting three goals against Cookstown at Serpentine Avenue.
Probably one of the most balanced sides in the competition, their goals came from Justin Sherriff and John McInroy. Sherriff, seemingly no longer of any interest to Ireland, hit two with Ian Hutchinson bagging the Cookstown score.
At Farmer's Cross, John Hobbs's goal was not enough to keep Munster interest alive. To be fair to 'Garvey, going to Cork and coming away with a win will only strengthen confidence. Timmy Cockram landed their goals.
In Belfast, Annadale travelled the short distance across the city to Shaws Bridge only to suffer a 2-1 defeat. Irish marksman, Mark Gleghorn and Chris Kirk were on target for the home side with Annadale's only score coming from Ian Hamilton.
