Monkstown storm past Pembroke to kick-start IHL challenge

Monkstown produced a blistering show of form to crush Pembroke 5-1 at Serpentine Avenue and reignite their Irish Hockey League challenge.

The reigning champions had endured a sticky period given their high standards in recent times, bowing out of the Irish Senior Cup at the hands of Pembroke before being held by Cookstown 1-1 in the IHL.

But this was an ominous warning as Graham Shaw's side tore into the first quarter. Geoff Cole won an early corner that Richard Sykes dispatched before Jazze Henry flicked home a second.

It was 3-0 on 16 minutes when Gareth Watkins converted a penalty stroke to all but secure the result with three quarters remaining.

Harry Spain – the hero the last time the two sides met – got one back before half-time but David Nolan and Sykes' second killed off the tie in the third quarter.

Geoff Cole played a key role in creating two of the goals on a memorable day for his family, it being the first time he had joined his three brothers – David, Stephen and Lee – in the matchday panel.

The result lifts Monkstown to the top of Pool A going into the Christmas break and into pole position to reach the playoffs.