Monkstown complete Irish Hockey League and Irish Senior Cup double

Monkstown claimed their third and biggest title of the season as they became the first men's club to do the Irish Hockey League and Irish Senior Cup double since the former was introduced.

Banbridge scored inside 10 seconds through Bruce McCandless. Monkstown got on terms in bizarre fashion as Stephen Forbes dithered before playing a rash pass across the face of goal. Gareth Watkins’ diving touch was well timed, to leave Gareth Lennox with no chance.

They went in front on 25 minutes when Davy Carson drew two men before unleashing a reverse-stick shot. It was probably goal-bound but Andrew Ward made sure of it. The lead lasted three minutes as Magowan turned home at close quarters. Andrew Ward, however, ensured ’Town went in ahead at the break 3-2.

Monkstown were not to be denied. Carson’s calmly taken corner rebound sealed the win before Dowds recover one for Bann with 45 seconds left.

MONKSTOWN: D Fitzgerald, L Cole, N Dee, D Carson, G Watkins, D Cole, S Cole, G Shaw, R Sykes, A Ewington, K Good. Subs: C Ellis, J Beirne, G Groves, G O'Halloran, A Ward, R O'Moore, S Nolan.
BANBRIDGE: G Lennox, Stephen Forbes, Scott Forbes, Peter Brown, Philip Brown, B McCandless, S Magowan, O Magee, D Ward, D Carlisle, S Dowds. Subs: J Moffett, J McKee, M Bell, H McShane, S Caruth, P Bingham, C Dowds