Harte brothers continue to impress on world stage

David Harte's status as one of the world's best goalkeepers was further confirmed on Saturday when he was bought at auction by Dabang Mumbai for the third edition of the Hockey India League for $51,000 (€41,000).

It made him the second most expensive keeper and eighth highest valued player for the annual competition which tips off in late January.

Similar to cricket's Indian Premier League, the HIL features six franchises which buy up the best players from around the globe for the four-week competition.

Among Harte's team-mates will be Belgian star Tom Boon who is the most expensive player from the auction, garnering $103,000 (€82,000) for his month's work.

He will also line out alongside Australian, English, Dutch, Indian and Czech players as well as his twin brother Conor who, following in David’s footsteps, became just the second Irish player to be signed up to the league for $10,000 (€8,000).

At home, the Irish Senior Cup was blown wide open after champions Three Rock Rovers were eliminated 3-1 by Banbridge courtesy of two late Stevie Dowds goals.

Monkstown also bowed out as a Harry Spain-inspired Pembroke put them on course for a 2-0 win and a semi-final spot. Spain scored the first before Cillian Hynes added another.

Rob Abbott's single goal in extra time edged Railway Union through to the final four ahead of Glenanne.

Lisnagarvey, meanwhile, waltzed through to the quarter-finals with their 8-1 win over Corinthian in their back match.