South Antrim booked their place in the Anderson Cup Quarter Finals with a 5-3 win over Portadown on Saturday afternoon.
The Lisburn side were last season’s beaten finalists and will now play Queen’s University in the last eight.
It was the visitors who took the lead with just over a minute played when they were awarded the first penalty corner of the game before MacKenzie Bennett reacted quickest to a loose ball to score the rebound.
Max Taylor quickly equalised for the hosts, hitting Portadown on the counter attack before David Arneill’s reverse strike gave the side the lead.
Taylor then continued his fine form, converting a drag flick to score his 13th goal of the season in all competitions; however, his side were quickly pegged back as Ryan Bennett got his first of the afternoon.
The end-to-end action continued in Lisburn as Harry Yarr’s deflected effort restored the South Antrim two-goal lead, but his side were once again pegged back by a Ryan Bennett drag flick.
There was still time for one more goal as South wrapped up their victory as Arneill got his second of the afternoon and confirmed his sides place in the quarter finals.
At Camlin Park, Cookstown sealed their cup progression with an emphatic 6-0 win over Belfast Harlequins.
Full-back Mark Cuddy opened the scoring for his side before Greg Allen soon doubled their advantage, leaving the Ulster Premier League side with it all to do.
However, it wasn’t to be for the Belfast outfit as Paul Watt proved to be a constant threat for his side, netting a hat-trick to put the result beyond doubt before youngster Ethan Redford rounded off the win for Cookstown.
The Mid-Ulster side will now take on Lisnagarvey in the next round in a repeat of last season’s Kirk Cup Final.
Elsewhere, holders Bangor were knocked out at the first hurdle as they lost 5-2 at home to Instonians.
A Ben Palmer hat-trick of penalty corners proved to be the pick of the action for Mark Evans’ side as he brought his tally for the season to 13 goals in all competitions.
Goals from Phil Hamil and Ben Rose ensured the Belfast side booked their place in the next where they will face fellow Premier League side North Down.
Meanwhile, youngsters Jack Magowan and Seb Holley both got on the scoresheet for the reigning champions, but they proved to be only a consolation as their side exited the competition in round one.
The final game of the weekend saw Mossley advance to the next round with a 4-1 win over Kilkeel on Friday evening.
Ross McIvor brought his tally for the season to seven in all competitions with two goals, meanwhile Rhys Wilson and Neal Glassey also both got on the scoresheet.
There was a consolation strike from Kilkeel’s David Rae, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome as Mossley set up a tie with Banbridge in the next round.
PHOTO: Front Row Union