Garvey hit ‘Quins for six to stay top of the league

In blinding rain and sleet, the home team began as they would finish, dominating possession and creating a host of chances.

Andy Williamson set up schoolboy Daniel Nelson with a well timed pass and the youngster beat the Harlequins keeper with a strong reverse stick shot from 10 yards on the left of the circle.

The 15th minute brought Garvey’s second after Cockram’s first penalty corner drag flick had been stopped on the goal line by a Harlequins defender, the Irish striker made no mistake with the resulting penalty stroke.

Goal number three came in the 21st minute when Greg Thompson’s shot at goal was deflected into the net from close range by Aaron Martin, giving him his first senior goal.

Harlequins did respond with a penalty corner in the 28th minute but the shot went well wide of the target.

The weather got even worse as the second period began but Garvey resumed their control.

Richard Arneill got into the act in the 39th minute with a great run which led to Timmy Cockram picking up the ball on the right of the circle and beating the keeper with a wicked reverse shot to score Garvey’s fourth and decisive goal.

Andy Williamson, after a great deal of selfless hard work during the match, got himself on the score sheet in the 47th minute. He received a good pass from Greg Thompson and scored with a neat deflection four yards out from goal.

Garvey finished their scoring in the 68th minute when Andy Williamson scored goal number six after a great run by Timmy Cockram had split the visitors defence.

The three points on the day plus the point on Thursday evening when Garvey drew 2-2 in their rearranged match with Instonians at Shaws Bridge. The goals from Mark Raphael after conceding an early goal, and a Timmy Cockram penalty corner strike which took Garvey into the lead were cancelled out by an Instonians equaliser. With Banbridge winning their two latest matches both teams are now locked together at the top of the table. Garvey now turn their attention to their quarter final Irish Senior Cup game against Glenanne at Comber Road on Saturday. This could prove a difficult match against old rivals.