Saturday, April 18: It was all still to play for in the Women’s and Men’s EY Hockey League Division 2, with three of the four promotion places still up for grabs in the final round.
In the Women’s EYHL2, a winner-takes-all tie in Newpark School saw Monkstown secure the title and guarantee promotion as they broke Avoca hearts in a 2-0 win, a result which also saw the hosts drop out of the promotion spot. Ards secured a narrow win over Cork Harlequins to climb to second and make their return to the EYHL after a single season absence. UCC did all they could as they fought until the very end to try secure a promotion place beating University of Galway in Dangan, but results elsewhere denied them a place. And Trinity Ladies’ and Lisnagarvey ended their seasons with a 2 – 2 draw in Santry, with the hosts getting the bonus point from the shootout.
In the Men’s EYHL2, Portrane added the league title to their guaranteed promotion place as they beat nearby rivals Clontarf 3 – 1. Cork Harlequins booked their place in the EYHL for next season, making no mistake against South Antrim in front of a jubilant home crowd. Instonians left Bandon with a 4-2 win, but Quins’ victory meant third spot was the best they could achieve. And CI Annadale and Queen’s University ended their campaigns with wins over Bray and Catholic Institute, respectively.
Avoca 0 – 2 Monkstown
Cork Harlequins 0 – 1 Ards
Trinity Ladies 2 [2 – 0] 2 Lisnagarvey
University of Galway 0 – 3 UCC
Bandon 2 – 4 Instonians
Bray 2 – 4 CI Annadale
Clontarf 1 – 3 Portrane
Cork Harlequins 5 – 1 South Antrim
Queen’s University 8 – 0 Catholic Institute