Three Rock advance in Irish Senior Cup

THREE Rock Rovers advance to the third round of the Irish Senior Cup thanks to a 4-1 win over Queen’s University at Grange Road last Saturday.

Despite building a 3-0 lead, though, it was not quite as smooth a journey as anticipated against the Ulster Premier Division side who made life difficult throughout.

Peter Lynch put Rovers in front very early on and it was promptly backed up by a powerful Jody Hosking slap from the top of the circle.

Matteo Romoli added a penalty stroke in the 20th minute but, after that, Queen’s came more into the contest with Scott McCabe to the fore.

They pulled one back via Conor Irwin from a penalty corner and defended feverishly to ensure they were not out of the contest until the closing ten minutes when Irish international Ali Empey scrambled in a chance.

For Rovers, their attention diverts back indoors this weekend when they will play in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy in Plzen, Czechia – the second tier of European club competition.

They are in a group with Sweden’s Roslagens, Portugal’s AD Lousada and Switzerland’s Rotweiss Wettingen.

The initial target is a top two spot which will keep Ireland in the running for a top two finish which brings promotion to the A division.