Much to the disappointment of IHU president John Dennis, Ashton failed in their attempt to become the first Munster team to claim the honours in the All-Ireland Schools Championship at Bangor. Instead, it was the hosts who took the laurels for only the second time in the competition's 16-year history with a 4-2 victory in what was an excellent final.
Bangor, who last won the Tasmanian Shield in 1989, seized the initiative against the run of play in the 19th minute when Scott Parker got the opener after Neil Slane's defiance had prevented Dave Eakins from giving Ashton an early lead with a string of saves from penalty corners.
The Ashton captain eventually got his reward when he beat the Bangor goalkeeper from another set piece in the 26th minute but Michael Harte restored the home side's advantage on the stroke of half-time.
Simon Irvine put two goals between the teams within five minutes of the re-start and Parker added to Bangor's tally three minutes from time before Mark Black earned a late consolation score.
In the semi-finals, Ashton had defeated RBAI 3-0, with goals from Black and a double strike from Eakins while Bangor edged out St Andrew's 3-2. Gareth Tenner poaching the winner after Justin Sherriff had levelled matters shortly after the interval.
Pembroke Wanderers, after their eclipse by Avoca in the Stephen Doyle Trophy final, resume their rivalry with Corinthians at Serpentine Avenue tomorrow, this time in the first round of the Leinster Senior Cup. The outcome is expected to be close to last Saturday's league result when Pembroke won 3-2 but lost Duncan McKeen through injury. He probably will not be able to resume until after Christmas.
Avoca have been drawn with old rivals SKA Ekaterinburg (Russia), as well as Svoboda Ljubliana (Slovenia), Loco Raca (Slovakia) and Hockey Team 85 (Finland), in Pool B of the European indoor club championship (Division C) in Belgrade from February 20th-22nd.
Encouraged by Paddy Mullen, up-and-coming umpires on the Leinster circuit include Graham Caulwell, Leonard Ryan, Fiacre Tierney and David Medcalf. Another respected figure is the Rev Peter Barrett.
