A switch from the regional qualifying system to an all-Ireland group phase in the National Indoor Trophy has left clubs unwilling to commit to the costs of travelling, leading to a spate of withdrawals.

All of Group Two’s games were called off with just three sides – reigning champions Three Rock Rovers, Glenanne and Clontarf – remaining as entrants. In Group One, Mossley’s withdrawal reduced the numbers to five teams. Pembroke conceded walkovers to NICS and Railway Union.

NICS head the table after their weekend’s work, 4-4 draw with YMCA and a 1-1 tie with Railway on Saturday. On Sunday, they held on to triumph 3-2 over Suttonians. With the points secured from the Pembroke walkover, they advance to the super-sixes. Railway are also through, thanks to a 7-2 win over Sutton.

Defending champions Ards had an unbeaten start to the defence of their title at Queen’s, victories over North Down and the hosts, followed by a draw with Ulster Elks, leaving them well-placed to qualify from their group in Wednesday’s final round of Ulster qualifying group matches.