Hockey League round-up: Shocks aplenty as Lisnagarvey and Railway Union stay out in front

CLOSE CONFINES: Monkstown and Three Rock Rovers shared the spoils in the Dublin Derby. Image courtesy of Irish Hockey Photographers

Round six of the EY Hockey League produced yet another set of shock results as the two league leaders maintained their momentum while the margins became even finer with considerable upsets allowed sides to climb the rankings.

In the Women’s EYHL, Portadown produced a stunning comeback away to Old Alex, coming from two goals behind to win 3-2. Monkstown bolstered their survival hopes as they overcame college side UCD. 

Ards overcame Pembroke Wanderers to end their opponents’ unbeaten start to the season and climb up to third. Railway Union made it a worthwhile journey north as they recorded a fifth win of the season away to Queen’s University to extend their lead at the top to five points. And a duo of final quarter penalty corners helped Loreto produce a comeback away to Pegasus to secure three points that sees them re-enter the top four.

In the Men’s EYHL, Lisnagarvey maintained their place at the peak of the table, coming out on top against YMCA in a closely fought battle while Pembroke Wanderers maintained their pursuit to stay level with the reigning champions thanks to a narrow 1-0 over Portrane in Donabate. 

Corinthian stunned visiting Banbridge to record a 2-1 win courtesy of an Ian Stewart brace, while Avoca came from a goal behind to take three points away from a tricky away trip to Cork Harlequins, to climb into the top four. And the points were shared between rivals Monkstown and Three Rock Rovers in Rathdown School, with visitors Three Rock picking up the bonus point to remain within touching distance of the league leaders.