Rovers in need of big result

Three Rock Rovers’ EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge I fate lies in the balance after a mixed opening day in Budapest.

The Irish champions rode their luck against Slovenian side Triglav Predanovci but Cork man Nick Burns — guesting for Rovers as his UCD side do not field an indoor team — got them off the mark before South African Jody Hosking hit three in a 6-2 win.

The Dubliners subsequently went down 2-1 to Italians HC Bra, Peter Blakeney’s goal 70 seconds from time coming too late.