Portrane secure topflight promotion

It was a day of jubilation for Portrane Hockey Club who guaranteed themselves topflight promotion with a game to spare, while Banbridge and Lisnagarvey both closed out their double-weekends with crucial victories to take the title race to the wire.

In the Men’s EYHL, Banbridge eventually broke down a resolute Cork C of I side in Garryduff to secure yet another vital win as they continue their pursuit of the league title.

Lisnagarvey edged out Corinthian at St Columba’s in a tense 2-1 matchup to remain top of the table.

Banbridge, however, still hold the cards with a game in hand over their Ulster rivals, and will face Cookstown on Wednesday, April 15 as they look to reclaim top spot going into the final weekend.

In the Men’s EYHL2, Portrane secured topflight promotion for the first time in the club’s history with a resounding win away to pursuing Instonians.

Noa Mulvey, Tom Mulvey, and Sean Graham all grabbed a brace, with Adrian Sweeny also on the scoresheet as Portrane scored seven unanswered goals at Shaw’s Bridge to guarantee themselves a top 2 finish and put themselves in the driving seat for the EYHL2 title.

Elsewhere, South Antrim secured their fourth win of the campaign away to Clontarf to climb into the top half with a game remaining.