Banbridge see off Lisnagarvey in dramatic shoot-out to claim third straight Champions Trophy
League champions Garvey made them fight all the way to retain the title, Bann coming from behind thanks to a Peter Brown penalty stroke to eventually win the shoot-out 4-3.
An intense opening quarter saw Lisnagarvey come out of the blocks quickly, forcing a superb save from Luke Roleston in the opening minutes.
A second chance from a penalty corner came soon after, with Lisnagarvey finding the net but the goal being chalked off for a foul in the build-up.
A rare chance for Banbridge late in the first quarter gave Adam McKee a shot on goal on his reverse, but his effort went wide to leave the sides level at the break.
The game evened out in the second quarter, with both sides going end-to-end in quick breaks. It was Lisnagarvey who opened the scoring though, captain Andrew Williamson reacting quickest to a loose ball and finding the net.
The Lisburn side's hold on the game continued into the second half, Daniel Nelson providing a great opportunity for brother Ben that just failed to materialise. But Banbridge responded well, beginning a period of ascendency that lasted for the remainder of the game.
Two penalty corners in the third quarter gave them chances to draw level, chances they failed to take as the first effort from Louis Rowe was blocked, followed by Philip Brown's drag flick that went wide.
Banbridge continued to produce chances in the final quarter.
A penalty corner in the 57th minute finally resulted in a positive outcome for Bann, with the effort striking the Lisnagarvey defender on the goal line.
Peter Brown stepped up to convert the resulting penalty stroke and force a shoot-out.
Luke Roleston shrouded himself in glory in the shoot-out, producing two huge saves to give Mark Cowan the opportunity to win it on the final attempt.
Cowan stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Lisnagarvey goalkeeper James Milliken to secure Banbridge's third EY Champions Trophy title in a row.
Banbridge's victory secures their place in Europe in 2025/26, with the side returning to the EHL.
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