Madeley treble secures cup for Three Rock Rovers

THREE Rock Rovers enjoyed a 10-goal weekend as they claimed the men’s Irish Senior Cup with a 5-2 victory over Pembroke Wanderers.

Rovers came to Belfield on a high after their 5-1 success over Glenanne in their semi-final and they were quick to pull ahead in the decider through penalty corner specialist Luke Madeley.

His second followed shortly afterwards but it sparked a Pembroke revival with the evereager Kirk Shimmins worming his way into the goalmouth to beat Jamie Carr with a lofted effort.

Alan Sothern picked off a penalty corner before the break to level the tie but his side were back in arrears soon after half time as Madeley completed his hat-trick.

Rovers’ fourth also came from a set-piece with John Mullins claiming the score at yet another corner and the fifth came from Ross Canning who thumped the ball into a goal left empty as their desperate rivals had withdrawn keeper Mark Ingram.

Meanwhile, sisters Emma and Abbie Russell set UCD on the trail to retaining the women’s Senior Cup as they defeated Pegasus from Belfast 4-0 at Belfield.

Emma Russell gave them a half-time lead with a sweet touch on Lena Tice’s drive and, seven minutes after the resumption, sibling Abbie joined her on the score-sheet, meeting a cross from Orla Patton.

College’s fifth cup title since 2009 was practically assured by Katie Mullan’s penalty corner before Sorcha Clarke gilded the lily, showing smart reflexes to connect with Sara Twomey’s cross.

The result put College on target for a double as they also top the EY Hockey League with just four rounds of matches remaining.