Instonians dig deep

MEN'S HOCKEY: The holders, Instonians, and their most focused challengers, Cork Harlequins, needed to dig deep on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals of the Irish Senior Cup in edging out Three Rock Rovers and Annadale in the fourth round.

Now, both sides have again been drawn away in equally demanding ties, against Lisnagarvey and Pembroke Wanderers, on February 15th.

It was in the last seconds of extra time that Chris Barnes whipped home the winner for Instonians (3-2) at Grange Road, while David Eakins showed that Harlequins were prepared for all eventualities by sinking their fifth stroke of the shoot-out at Lough Moss to decide the issue, 5-4, after an epic 3-3 stalemate over 100 minutes.

Eakins had put the Munstermen into the lead from a short corner in the opening thrust of the game but with Jonathan Quigley in inspired form on the right for Annadale, an equaliser came from Ian Hamilton and then Chris Hamilton made it 2-1 at the interval.

The irrepressible Eakins broke away, however, to set up Richie Gash to level at the start of the second half, and though Hamilton again put Annadale in front, Gash got another finishing touch to earn extra time.

Instonians trailed 2-1 at half-time to Three Rock, who had poached goals by Charlie Carroll and Christian Judd.

Barnes had beaten Wendel Armstrong from a short corner in the first half and Armstrong brought off several fine saves after the interval before a set-piece switch yielded an equaliser from Aaron Gill.

Then, in the dying moments of extra time Mark Irwin forced the decisive drag flick executed by Barnes.

Cork C of I and Glenanne, who meet in the next stage, won 2-0 away to YMCA and UCC respectively. Corinthians swept to a 6-0 victory at Newry and will now relish a home tie against Banbridge, who dismissed Trinity 7-1.

Lisnagarvey and Pembroke beat Cookstown and Bangor.