Hockey: Greg Allen hits hat trick in big win for Cookstown over Cork

BATTLE... Cookstown's Mark Crooks battles for the ball during Satuardy's IHL clash with Cork Harlequins at Steelweld Park.INMM1114-374SR

At a cold and blustery Steelweld Park Cookstown welcomed Cork Harlequins for game two of the Irish Hockey League.

From the outset Cookstown were on top, but knew that their opponents would pose a threat on the counter if given a sniff of a chance.

Early goals by Simon Todd and Greg Allen set the tone for Cookstown with Andy Barbour scoring a third before half time.

Cork pulled a goal back before half time courtesy of a Dan Hobbs drag flick.

The second period was to continue in the same vein as the first with further goals for Cookstown coming from Barbour, Mark Crooks, Gareth Cuddy and Allen (2).

Harlequins scored a late consolation goal with another Hobbs penalty corner.

The result leave Cookstown in third position in Pool A on five points. Ulster rivals Lisnagarvey have the same haul and sit behind the Reds on goal difference. Dublin teams, Three Rock Rovers and Pembroke Wanderers, lead the group following victories over Instonians and Lisnagarvey respectively.

Cookstown travel to Pool leaders Three Rock on Saturday with the monumental task on overturning their three point lead. Rovers were unconvincing in their match against Instonians on Saturday but have significant firepower in their team from Michael Maguire, Joe Brennan, Jonny Bruton and Mitch Darling.