IT PROVED to be a profitable third round of the Irish Hockey League for four of the Ulster contenders, Cookstown, Lisnagarvey and Annadale all leaving Dublin with victories and Banbridge beating Monkstown at home.

Instonians’ woes continued, though – having been docked two points for fielding an ineligible player in the first round, they lost 3-2 to Cork Harlequins on Saturday, having led 2-0.

Lisnagarvey are now three points clear in pool B, second half goals from Andy Forrest and John Gray away to Three Rock Rovers giving them their third win in as many games. If they look a good bet for a place in the semi-finals, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll join them: three teams are now bunched on six points, one ahead of Pembroke Wanderers.

Pembroke and YMCA both suffered defeats on Saturday, Peter Caruth scoring twice in the closing minutes at Serpentine Avenue to give Annadale a 4-2 win, while Philip Smith’s third quarter penalty stroke was the deciding goal in Church of Ireland’s 2-1 defeat of YMCA.

Pool A is no less competitive, Cookstown taking over as leaders from Monkstown after overwhelming Glenanne in Tallaght, their 5-2 victory also giving them a bonus point. Banbridge, meanwhile, survived a fightback from Monkstown at Havelock Park to hold out for a 2-1 win that leaves the teams level on seven points, two behind Cookstown. Harlequins’ recovery against Instonians gave them their first win in the pool and revived their semi-final hopes, Paul Lombard getting the winner 10 minutes from time.