Irish Hockey League comes down to final weekend

for the final knockout stages still up for grabs.

Just Leinster’s Monkstown and Ulster’s Banbridge, both with full points from four matches, have gained certain qualification, leaving the remaining semi-finalists to be decided in the fifth round of matches on Saturday.

There are three venues this weekend at Cookstown's Coolnafranky, Glenanne and Cork Harlequins ground at Farmers Cross with Pool A leaders Monkstown into the semi-final with a game to spare after their narrow 2-1 victory over Cookstown in the last round. This week Monkstown, the form team, face a travelling Annadale side who are desperate for maximum points. The Ulster team also have to rely on Pembroke picking up a win against second placed Cookstown, which is a tough ask for the Ballsbridge side.

In Pool B it is Lisnagarvey who are looking in at the second place position and they face YMCA in Cookstown with reasonable confidence of taking maximum points. A losing bonus point would be enough for 'Garvey, with the Dublin side needing to win by six goals to progress.
FIXTURES – Saturday – Irish Hockey League Round 5: Pool A (All matches 2pm) -Cookstown v Pembroke, Coolnafranky; Monkstown v Annadale, Glenanne Park; Cork Harlequins v Instonians, Farmer's Cross. Pool B (All matches 4pm) - Lisnagarvey v YMCA, Coonafranky; Glenanne v Banbridge, Glenanne Park; Cork C of I v Railway Union, Farmer's Cross.