Lisnagarvey returned to the top of the men's EY Hockey League as their 4-1 win over Annadale combined with a 2-2 draw between Three Rock Rovers and Banbridge lifted them a point clear.
For Garvey, they overcame a tricky tie in which they went ahead early but were unable to build further on Matthew Nelson’s second minute opener. Robbie Davidson equalised in the third quarter but the Comber Road hosts ran up late goals from Andy Williamson, Ollie Kidd and Jonny Lynch to pull clear.
For Rovers, they fought back twice from a goal down at Havelock Park against Bann but could not maintain their narrow lead at the top. David Finlay put the Co Down side 1-0 up in the first minute but Ben Johnson got the Dubliners back level only for Sam Farson to put Bann up at the break.
Johnson, though, struck again with a diving touch for 2-2 with eight minutes to go. It leaves Three Rock in a share of second place with Glenanne who picked up a 4-1 win over YMCA despite the absence of four front-line players.
After a scoreless first half, the Glens made their move in Q3 with Shannon Boucher and Shane O’Donoghue scoring. Scott Ruttle got one back with 10 minutes left but another Boucher effort and one from Paul Byrne made the game safe.
Corinthian were the other big mover, their first win since early October seeing them move four points clear of the relegation zone thanks to a 2-1 success against UCD. Peter Caruth got both of their goals with Sam Byrne getting a consolation goal for the students.
Pembroke, though, fell further adrift with a 4-1 defeat to Monkstown as they are now four points away from safety. They started well with Julian Dale putting them ahead early on but two goals from Mark Gibbons turned the tide before Guy Sarratt and Davy Carson put the game out of sight.
