03-05-2025
Lisnagarvey and Banbridge set up all-Ulster Playoff Final
In the first of the men's semi-finals, Lisnagarvey eased past YMCA with a 5-2 win at Havelock Park.
Oliver Kidd opened the scoring in the dying stages of the first quarter when he converted with a sliding deflection from a penalty corner to give his side the lead at the first break.
Midway through the second quarter, Adam Walker converted from a YMCA corner to restore parity in the tie, but they weren't level for long as Jonny Lynch restored the Garvey lead just moments later.
Soon after the Garvey lead was doubled as Lisnagarvey were awarded another penalty corner with youngster John Cunningham converting with a drag flick into the bottom left corner.
As the final quarter got underway YMCA once again reduced the deficit with a strike from Adam Walker, however, as they game entered the closing stages, Matthew Nelson struck with a sensational effort before Mark McNellis sealed their final spot.
In the second Semi-Final, Banbridge booked their spot in the final with a 3-1 win over Three Rock Rovers.
Louis Rowe and Ben Johnson both struck early for their respective sides, netting from two penalty corners to leave the sides level at the end of the first quarter.
However, it was the Ulster side who went on to control the tie with Josh Moffett striking either side of the half-time break to fire his side into a comfortable 3-1 lead in third period.
A second Louis Rowe effort then seemingly sealed the win for the hosts whilst a late strike from Luke Madeley proved to be a consolation for the Dubliners.
The final day of the EYHL playoffs saw Ulster Elks miss out on a spot in the final with a 2-0 loss to Railway Union.
Two strikes from Lily Lloyd and Katie Mullan sealed the win for the Dublin side who now prepare to face league champions Loreto in the final.
In the Ulster Men's Premier League, champions Cookstown celebrated lifting the title with a sensational 12-2 win over North Down.
Captain and top scorer Jack Haycock was the star performer for the side as he netted three penalty corners and stroke in the first half alongside efforts from Scott McCabe and Ryan Millar to give their side a 6-0 lead at the midway stage.
The hosts dominance continued into the second half when Haycock struck for his fifth of the afternoon picking out the top right corner with another perfectly executed drag flick.
Forward Greg Allen then netted the goal of the day as he latched on to an aerial into the circle before volleying over both his head and the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net.
Meanwhile there were also late goals for Haycock, McCabe, Mark Cuddy and Daniel Kerr to round of the scoring for the champions.
There were two consolation efforts for the visitors but with no impact on the end result, they now go into their relegation playoff off the back of their heaviest defeat of the campaign.
