Let’s beat the dubs

If this current crop are to go down amongst the best sides in Banbridge Hockey Club history, they must start winning games like this.
Banbridge take on Three Rock Rovers at Havelock in the Irish Senior Cup quarter-final on Saturday (pass-back 3pm) and then face Mossley in the Kirk Cup at Shaws Bridge on Sunday (pass-back 2pm). Head Coach Mark Tumilty is for now focusing on Saturdays game. Pic: Dane Ward is back in action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. INBL1445-276pbBanbridge take on Three Rock Rovers at Havelock in the Irish Senior Cup quarter-final on Saturday (pass-back 3pm) and then face Mossley in the Kirk Cup at Shaws Bridge on Sunday (pass-back 2pm). Head Coach Mark Tumilty is for now focusing on Saturdays game. Pic: Dane Ward is back in action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. INBL1445-276pb
Banbridge take on Three Rock Rovers at Havelock in the Irish Senior Cup quarter-final on Saturday (pass-back 3pm) and then face Mossley in the Kirk Cup at Shaws Bridge on Sunday (pass-back 2pm). Head Coach Mark Tumilty is for now focusing on Saturdays game. Pic: Dane Ward is back in action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. INBL1445-276pb

That’s the message from Head Coach Mark Tumilty ahead of Saturday’s vital Irish Senior Cup quarter-final tie against the holders Three Rock Rovers at Havelock (pass-back 3pm).

“It’s time we won a really, really big game like this against a Dublin side,” he said.

“We’ve been beaten by Monkstown and Pembroke in big games in recent seasons. Now we have to make sure we win one of these games.

“If we want to make that step up to become a great Banbridge side, then we have to win these games.”

Bann want to get their hands on the historic trophy for the 10th time but the first in 29 years. The last time they won it in 1986, it was Three Rock that they beat in the final.

Last year, Three Rock cruised to victory, thumping Pembroke 4-0 in the final but Tumilty reckons his side have what it takes to oust the Dublin team from this year’s competition.

“They are a very strong team but I would class ourselves as a very strong team as well,” he said.
“It’s not beyond us by any means. They’re a good squad with plenty of talent but I would say we have as much if not more talent.

“And the game’s at home. I would take any home draw against any team in the Irish Cup. We just need to perform.

“The Irish Senior Cup is the one I really want to win this year but it won’t be easy.

“The other thing about it is that getting through in the Irish Cup extends your season and gives you a big carrot to work towards in the second half of the season.”

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