Disappointing results for Firsts against Harlequins

The Ballymoney girls were slow to get into the game giving Harlequins too much space however after ten minutes, the girls began to play, maintaining a lot of possession with two penalty corners taken by Bridget McKeever which just went wide of the goal.

Harlequins took advantage of some quick breaks gaining several penalty corners with some great stick saves made by goalkeeper Jodie, unfortunately Harlequins scored from a deflection. However, Ballymoney counter-attacked with Nikki Parke and Sophia’s shots being saved.

The Ballymoney squad started the second half meaning business with the majority of the possession, with Nikki Parke breaking past the Harlequins defence and crossing the ball to Susannah Browne who had a clear shot on goal and was taken down in a bad tackle, winning a penalty corner which Bridget Clelland ended up scoring however this was disallowed as the ball was too high.

Harlequins responded with some skilful attacking play winning a penalty corner in the second half which goalkeeper Jodie stopped with an incredible stick save.

The Ballymoney girls responded well and, with minutes left on the clock, winning a penalty corner. This was cleared wide by the Harlequins defence, the finishing score Ballymoney 0 - 1 Harlequins. The squad were disappointed with the result against a beatable Harlequins team but were proud of their team performance.

THIRDS

Ballymoney Third Xl travelled to Lagan College for push back at 2:30pm against Annadale.

Ballymoney were determined to pile the pressure on Annadale, however Annadale got a break through ‘Money’s defence early on and won a long corner, they took the opportunity and a deflection saw the ball slide past the keeper into the net to take a 1-0 lead.

This did not set Ballymoney back, they fought well and equalised within a minute after a superb solo run by Judith McCracken. The team played a very strong game with several excellent plays up either wings resulting in Sarah Reilly and Emma Creelman scoring in the first half. Half time score 3-1.

Ballymoney continued where they left off in the second half and worked hard to add to their score line. Emma Creelman hit the back of the net once again before captain Maria Doherty worked her way up from defence and scored her first goal of the season.

Final score 5-1 Ballymoney.