Monkstown deny Banbridge and take third successive league title

A devastating penalty corner brace from Richard Sykes saw Monkstown win their third successive Irish Hockey League title, inflicting Banbridge's first defeat in all competitions this season at Grange Road yesterday.

The Co Down side had previously won the Irish Senior Cup, Anderson Cup, Kirk Cup and Ulster Premier League this season, but found their final tie a bridge too far.

On the back foot

They had the south Dublin outfit on the back foot for much of the tie. And their ability from the set piece proved to be the game-breaker.

Sykes struck four minutes in with a rocket to the roof of the net. His second effort ricocheted off the crossbar soon after.

After that slow start, Banbridge were soon forcing the issue, but found David Fitzgerald a brick wall, frustrating Stephen Dowds in particular with a clutch of diving stops.

It kept the slender 1-0 lead intact until half-time, but the Ulster side did get back on terms in the 42nd minute.

The irrepressible Dowds tore down the right wing, but his cross should have been comfortably dealt with.

Inexplicably, a Monkstown defender lifted his stick to leave the ball and Jamie Wright, waiting at the back post, controlled and scrambled home at the second attempt.

Banbridge looked the more likely to snatch a second, but Monkstown rolled with the punches. With 12 minutes to go, they won another corner which Sykes planted into the unguarded bottom right hand corner.

It ensured victory, in spite of a couple of hairy moments as Banbridge vehemently claimed a penalty stroke when only a long corner was awarded. They also scuffed a last minute corner move, denying them a shot at extra-time and a perfect season.