Frazer’s gamble pays off as Quins power into the play-off places

BELFAST Harlequins have moved up to third place in the EY Irish Hockey League after two goals in the last six minutes earned them a hard-fought 3-1 win over Ards at Deramore.

Jenna Watt broke the deadlock in the first quarter after being set up by Ireland World Cup star Lizzie Colvin.

But Caroline Adams levelled matters early in the second half when she hammered in a penalty corner.

Quins coach Davy Frazer gambled by taking off his keeper Marianne Fox with eight minutes remaining.

The move produced an early dividend when, two minutes later, former international Jenny McAuley scored from close range to make it 2-1.

Then, in the 68th minute, Colvin converted a penalty corner to seal the win which takes Quins into the play-off zone but leaves Ards with just a single point from six matches.

Lurgan made it five wins from five in the Ulster Premier League after coming from 2-0 and 3-2 down to beat Mossley 4-3 at the Glade.

Karen Dixon’s hat-trick was all in vain after she scored twice in the first half and once in the second as Natalie Barr hit a treble for the champions, whose other goal came from Sarah McClure. EY Irish Hockey League: Belfast Harlequins 3 (J Watt, J McAuley, L Colvin) Ards 1 (C Adams).

Ulster Premier: Mossley 3 (K Dixon 3) Lurgan 4 (N Barr 3, S McClure).

Senior Cup: Priorians 1 (E Allen) Omagh 2 (E Shortt, L Long). Omagh qualify for the semi-finals.