Hook Hockey

Rovers return to third tier of European indoor

‘C’ division status was earned this morning as Three Rock Rovers picked up a 6-1 victory over Lokomotiv 1929 Sofia this morning in Malatya, Turkey.

Game five of an eventful tournament, the tie was on the sluggish side and Rovers were thankful to a Stephen West penalty stroke save early on but were in control for much of the rest of the tie.

The Bulgarian side succumbed to quick counters and a high pressing game with the Dubliners moving 3-0 up at half-time thanks to a couple from Ross Canning and one from Jody Hosking, eventually flicking home after a series of chances.

Lokomotiv threatened a comeback with the first goal of the second half but Canning struck on the counter soon after for 4-1 and two more goals in the last three minutes – Hosking with his eighth of the tournament and a Garry Ringwood penalty stroke – confirmed the result.

As winners of this year’s National Indoor Trophy, Three Rock will now play in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge I in 2013, going up with Turkish side Anadolu Atesi – who also won their national championship again this year.
Rovers have an outside chance of claiming the title outright but need a favour from Finnish side ABC Team in the final game of the competition.

EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge II, day three results: Three Rock Rovers 6 (Ross Canning 3, Jody Hosking 2, Garry Ringwood) Lokomotiv 1929 Sofia 1