Irish Hockey

By Nigel Mccullough

VI Sport league leaders Banbridge attempt to steal a march on the chasing pack - engaged in tomorrow's Powerade Kirk Cup semi finals - when they travel to Stormont to take on NICS.

Bann are sitting pretty at the top of the table thanks to an unbeaten run that has seen them beat rivals Lisnagarvey and draw away to champions Annadale. The only other points they have dropped were in the league opener against Cookstown when they drew at home, but in their last league outing, the reverse fixture, they came back from a goal down late on to secure all three points.

Stephen Watt's men hope to welcome back star defender Geoff McCabe who has been sidelined with a serious neck injury sustained in the Universities Championship and report that under 21 defender Colin Holmes is fast approaching full fitness following surgery.

Things are looking rosy for Bann whose fortunes seemed to turn around just about this time last year when they secured a Kirk Cup final spot.

However, they cannot afford to be complacent in this potential banana skin, for although Service have the most porous defence in the premiership they also have the most potent attack and Ulster inter-pro keeper Gareth Lennox will have to be on his toes to keep out the lethal Chris Barnes.

At the other end Dale McNeill, a former Ulster senior custodian, was signed for Mossley to help shore up the leaky defence and although he conceded five in his first game against Annadale he was also responsible for keeping the score down that day as the Carryduff men went on a first half rampage.

Also in the Premier League there's a vital game at the basement end when Raphoe, still pointless, entertain Cookstown who only have a win and a draw to show for their efforts at the halfway stage. Both teams need to win badly as they hover above the relegation trapdoor.

There are five Vi Sport Senior League One games this afternoon - South Antrim v PSNI being postponed - including a top of the table clash between North Down and Kilkeel, a match that will go a long way in deciding who gets promotion.

Harlequins with home advantage may have the edge against Portadown while, elsewhere, Queens will need to shake off the cobwebs following last week's shock Linden Cup semi-final defeat when they host Antrim who are on a bit of a roll at the moment.

Mossley should have too many big guns for Newry while Cliftonville, still pointless, will hope to kick start their season when they visit Ballynahinch.

The much awaited Powerade Kirk Cup semis - fully previewed in yesterday's News Letter - hit off at 1.30pm with Instonians standing between Bangor and their first final.

Instonians, the cup specialists, are favourites but don't bet your mortgage on it. Bangor have had a few close calls recently and are due a win.

The second semi-final features two of the sport's giants in Annadale and Lisnagarvey, a mouthwatering fixture featuring 13 full internationals and a bevy of under age Irish stars.

These teams drew 3-3 in a pulsating league encounter a few weeks back and if tomorrow's match is half as good then the fans will be in for a treat.

Today's fixtures. (2.30): Vi Sport Premier League - NICS v Banbridge; Raphoe v Cookstown.

Senior League One - North Down v Kilkeel; Harlequins v Portadown; Mossley v Newry; Ballynahich v Cliftonville (1.00); Queens v Antrim (1.00).

Tomorrow: Powerade Kirk Cup semi-finals: Bangor v Instonians (1.30); Annadale v Lisnargarvey (3.30).

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