Banbridge edge rivals Lisnagarvey to claim Champions Trophy and complete double

The win also secured a double this season following their recent league success in the EYHL, while the two sides will also meet again in next month’s Irish Senior Cup Final.

It was Banbridge who broke the deadlock with just six minutes on the clock after they won the first penalty corner of the game.

Having injected to the top of the circle, it was Philip Brown who stepped up for his side as he picked out the corner with a perfectly executed drag flick.

Eight minutes into the second quarter Brown was given back-to-back penalty corners as he looked to double both his and his side’s tally.

However, on this occasion, it was ’Garvey goalkeeper James Milliken and his defence who came out on top as the score remained 1-0.

With both sides struggling to create chances from open play, short corners continued to play a key role in the Final.

On the brink of half time, it was Garvey’s turn from a set-play as an initial penalty corner was well saved by Banbridge goalkeeper Luke Roleston.

However, having immediately won another corner, the ball was slipped left at the top of the circle before Roleston was again called into action, but it wasn’t enough as Peter McKibbin flicked in the rebound to level.

With 40 minutes on the clock a long ball into the Garvey circle was deflected on goal by Charlie Rowe before Milliken made another great save to keep the score 1-1.

Just moments later the penalty corner drama continued as Rowe went close once more but saw his effort cleared off the line by a Lisnagarvey defender.

Following a period of Garvey pressure, their hosts were given a boost when they were temporarily reduced to ten men following a yellow card for a deliberate foul.

Whilst having the extra man, Banbridge were awarded yet another penalty corner and took advantage of the yellow card.

After an initial strike from the top of the circle was cleared off the line, Rowe won possession back for his side before playing a dangerous ball into the penalty area.

It was there that Josh Moffett was able to get a decisive touch and deflect the ball goal-bound to restore his side’s lead and make it 2-1.

In a tense final quarter, the trailing Garvey side ramped up the pressure on the Bann backline with Roleston being forced into two late saves to keep Erroll Lutton’s side at bay.

Ultimately it was Banbridge who held out for the narrow victory as they won the Champions Trophy in their own backyard.