Rovers set for second European adventure

Three Rock Rovers flew out to Cambrai, France this afternoon with the same eleven players that won last weekend's Tony Byrne Cup with substitute goalkeeper Wendel Armstrong the extra player included to complete the squad for the Eurohockey Indoor Club Champions Challenge this weekend.

They have just one injury concern, that of player-coach Liam Canning (pictured with Paul O'Brien) who tweaked his groin slightly but is hoping Rory O'Donoghue's treatment during the week will help his body get through an intense five game schedule.

Canning's knowledge will prove invaluable to the team. Though this is Three Rock's first ever time in European competition, the diminutive striker - now converted to wily defender - was part of the classic Avoca side of the late 80s and early 90s who reached the European stage on numerous occasions.

Indeed, the Blackrock club have been the standard bearers in the country for many years in the indoor format, representing Ireland in Europe 13 times since 1990.

Rovers take on the third tier of European competition with three eastern European opponents: Croatia's HAHK Mladost, Hungary's Rosco Budapest and Slovenia's HC Pilva Lipovci.

A top two placing will mean a shot at promotion from two playoff games, with Trophy level competition for Ireland - whom Three Rock will represent next year by virtue of last weekend's victory in the Tony Byrne Cup.

Speaking about the side's chances, Canning was cautious as to how the European debutantes would get on after the Irish deciders.

"Our performance was not as good as we are capable of. We tried to force things, it was too rushed and we were not clinical enough in front of goal."

Canning did add though that the overall standard - while not yet back to that of the historic clashes between Avoca and Ulster's Team VW - is on the up: "we are getting there and it is clear the work was put in and most importantly teams were enjoying it."

Friday:
1pm Rosco Budapest v Three Rock Rovers
4pm HAHK Mladost v Three Rock Rovers
Saturday:
10am: Three Rock Rovers v HC Pliva Lipovci;
Afternoon: Crossover games
Sunday: Crossover games

Squad: Liam Canning (player-coach), Peter McConnell, Alan Bothwell, Andy McConnell, Mitch Darling, Graham Dowling, Colin Huet, Lucas Piccioli, Neil Lyons, Garry Ringwood, Shane Davey, Wendel Armstrong
Manager: Scott Crombie