Antrim Hockey Club teams in action

Antrim Men 1st XI: 0 - Raphoe Men 1 st XI:3

Raphoe Men 1st XI visited the Antrim Forum on Saturday, 31 October for the next round of the MOQ (Men’s Premier Qualifying League), the ‘interim league structure’ in place until the end the year before a reshuffle over the Christmas break.

And the Raphoe men were out for revenge, having suffered a significant defeat to a rampant Antrim back in September in what was surely one of the local team’s best performances in recent years. As expected, Raphoe came out punching, eager to get an early lead and demoralise the home team. A quick attack and early penalty corner, though, didn’t deliver as the Antrim men settled into then game. The visitors next attack did count, however, and they were ahead by the first break, 0-1. Raphoe came out strong again as the second started, another penalty corner early on but again denied by the home team. Antrim held stood their ground, with Jack McCrickard quick on the attack, causing the Raphoe defence all sorts of issues.

It was another penalty corner for Raphoe, though that saw them double their lead by the halftime break. The half time was focused and direct, and hit home as Antrim charged as the third started. Andrew Chambers fired balls forward but Raphoe were just that little sharper in gaining control when it landed. Then… it was penalty corner after penalty corner after penalty corner for the remainder the third quarter.

Goalkeeper Cameron Hanna produced double saves; Raphoe attacked but were denied; Antrim attacked but were smothered in the final yards. So, it remained 0-2 for the visitors as the match entered the fourth and final quarter. Alfie Vennard charged forward only to be pushed off the ball in an over-zealous defence by Raphoe, and the resultant ‘free-hit’ came to nothing. It hurt, therefore, when Antrim’s next long corner was intercepted and the follow-up break allowed Raphoe to out the match beyond Antrim’s reach, 0-3.

It was a fantastic effort by the home team, despite the result, with the Antrim Men working hard throughout. And the results sets things up nicely for when these teams meet again, the ‘tale of the tape’ now even at one win each. Coach Hanna awarded his Player Of The Match to defender, Robbie Watt.

Holywood Ladies 1st XI: 5 - Antrim 1st XI: 1

Antrim Ladies 1st XI returned to league action on Saturday, 31 October after a three-week break, making the short trip to face unbeaten title challengers, Holywood Ladies. Despite the final scoreline, the visitors produced an encouraging performance against one of the strongest sides in the division and can take plenty of positives from the contest.

The home side made the perfect start, taking the lead after just five minutes when they converted a penalty corner to move 1-0 ahead. However, Antrim responded well to the early setback and gradually began to settle into the game.

The lively Katie Graham caused problems for the Holywood defence with her energy and determination, and her quick thinking from a ‘free hit’ inside the circle earned Antrim a penalty corner. The resulting set-piece was worked brilliantly, with Lucy Graham finding space at the back post to slot home her first goal of the season and bring the sides level, 1-1.

The goal gave Antrim renewed confidence and they enjoyed some of their best hockey of the match during the remainder of the first half. Their passing and movement created difficulties for the home side and they continued to push forward looking for a second goal. Despite chances at both ends, the teams went into the break locked at 1-1.

As the game entered the second half, Holywood’s experience and quality began to tell. The hosts capitalised on their opportunities and scored twice during the third quarter to establish a 3-1 lead. To their credit, Antrim refused to let their heads drop. A tactical reshuffle added strength in midfield and provided more attacking options going forward. The visitors pressed hard in search of a way back into the game, with both Katie Graham and Sarah Cameron coming agonisingly close to reducing the deficit.

On each occasion, however, the Holywood goalkeeper produced excellent saves to keep Antrim at bay. A second goal for the visitors would have set up a tense finish, but as Antrim committed players forward, Holywood took advantage of the space left behind. A well-worked counterattack resulted in a fourth goal before the hosts added a fifth late on to secure what was perhaps an overly flattering 5-1 victory.

While the result was disappointing, there were many positives for Antrim to take from the afternoon. The midfield trio of Fern McDermott, Katie Graham and Ella Naylor worked tirelessly throughout against high-quality opposition, while the team’s passing and movement showed continued improvement.

There was also a memorable debut for Katie Lillie, who impressed on her first appearance for the Club and looks set to be a valuable addition to the squad. Although every player contributed admirably, Fern McDermott earned the Player of the Match award with a determined and battling display in midfield, epitomising the commitment shown by the entire team.

Weekly round-up:

It was a quieter than planned weekend for Antrim Hockey Club as the Men 2 nd XI had an unexpected weekend off when opponents, Saintfield Men 2 nd XI were unable to field a team. Whilst the points are awarded to Antrim, the Men extended their sympathies to Saintfield as they recognise the challenges smaller clubs face in fielding full teams, on occasion.

Some of Antrim Hockey Club’s Under 15 boys joined forces with players from Portadown and Raphoe on Sunday, 1 November for a competitive league fixture away to Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS). The match provided a valuable opportunity for the boys to gain league experience, playing alongside new teammates and putting their skills into practice against strong opposition. Despite never having played together before, the combined side produced some excellent passages of hockey. The boys worked hard for one another and showed impressive teamwork, with every player contributing to a positive team performance.

For the Antrim players, it was an encouraging outing and an opportunity to build confidence while representing the club. Their effort and willingness to work alongside players from other clubs were particularly pleasing to see.

The fixture also demonstrated the value of clubs working together to provide opportunities for young players to enjoy competitive hockey and continue their development. Antrim Hockey Club would like to thank Portadown for organising the combined team and NICS for hosting and providing a thoroughly enjoyable, competitive game. Well done to all the boys involved.

Antrim Hockey Club is trialling Player Sponsorship and would greatly welcome community support to help grow the club. Do you have a favourite player and think you could support them this season? If so, please check out the Club’s Facebook Page for sponsorship opportunities and your chance to support local sporting talent.

In the meantime, the club is holding a table quiz and night out at Chimney Corner Football Club alongside Tiny House Coffee on Saturday, 21 November, so why come along and join in the fun.

Looking ahead, November starts slowly with just one match this incoming weekend for the senior teams. The only senior team in action on Saturday, 7 November is the Ladies 2nd XI as they travel to face South Antrim Ladies 5th XI in League Junior 10, pushback tbc.

As always, the club expresses its thanks to all its supporters and sponsors, particularly to ongoing supporter, Carmichael Logistics Limited. A special thank you also goes to this week’s match and balls sponsor, DS Autos and to local supporters Tiny House Coffee and Chimney Corner FC. Thanks go to Davy McCrory, Declan Donaghy and Dominic Dewart for their support and it is very much appreciated by everyone at Antrim Hockey Club.