Emphatic victories for Randalstown women
There was a hat-trick for a birthday girl!
Randalstown 3XI 6 v Ballymoney 3XI 0
Randalstown came flying out of the blocks, putting Ballymoney under pressure and winning an early penalty corner. Evie Getty stepped up and struck the ball straight into the goal to put Randalstown ahead.
Ballymoney broke forward, but thanks to Mollie Kerr's quick reactions and a well-timed tackle, their attack was cleared. From a quick hit-out, Randalstown counter-attacked, with the keeper making a save. However, Megan Lamont was quick to react and nipped in to score, making it 2–0 to Randalstown.
In the second quarter, Lucy McCombe came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring just two minutes into her time on the pitch. The goal came from a deflection following a great pass from Claudia Drysdale.
Ballymoney then managed to make their way into the Randalstown circle, but to no avail. Following a quick hit-out, Mollie Kerr made a fantastic run up the right-hand side. Megan Lamont had an attempt on goal, but the keeper made the save.
Ballymoney counter-attacked, but Mollie Kerr was on her toes once again, making another brilliant tackle and winning the free hit.
Randalstown continued to pile on the pressure, with Laura McCormack having a shot on goal which was saved by the keeper. However, Randalstown won another penalty corner. Evie Getty stepped up for another strike, but the Ballymoney keeper stood tall and made the save.
In the third quarter, just four minutes in, Lucy McCombe reacted quickly to a rebound off the keeper and slipped the ball into the net, making it 4–0 to Randalstown!
Ballymoney won a penalty corner, but Randalstown's defence stood firm, keeping the ball out with some great defending and teamwork.
A quick ball played up front saw Laura McCormack fire the ball into the roof of Ballymoney's net to make it five. A wonder goal for the birthday girl!
Ballymoney had their chances, but Randalstown's defence remained focused and strong, keeping them from getting on the scoresheet. Randalstown continued to dominate possession, keeping the ball in Ballymoney's half for the majority of the quarter.
The sixth and final goal came from none other than Lucy McCombe, who completed her hat-trick and well and truly sealed all three points for Randalstown - a fantastic team performance from the girls!
A huge thank you to Nathan for coaching, to the umpires and, of course, to all the supporters who came along to cheer the girls on.
Player of the Match was Lucy McCombe – a hat-trick to top off a brilliant performance!
Randalstown 4XI 4 - Ballymena 5XI 0
Randalstown started the match strongly, putting Ballymena under pressure from the start. A good attacking move resulted in an early long corner, while Helen McMillan made an important save to keep Ballymena from getting an early goal. Lucy McSorley made some excellent runs, helping Randalstown maintain possession and create attacking opportunities.
In the second quarter, Randalstown continued to dominate. Lucy McSorley made a great pass to Jenna Boyd, but the goalkeeper made the save. Randalstown won another short corner, and after further pressure, Isla Mulvenna found the back of the net to make it 1–0. Jessica Magill then drove forward brilliantly and set up Jenna, who scored Randalstown’s second goal to make it 2–0. Jessica and Pamela Waring continued to create chances, winning another corner.
Randalstown carried their momentum into the third quarter, with Anna Kane making some excellent runs and helping to build attacks. After winning a long corner, Randalstown continued to put pressure on the Ballymena defence. Jenna Boyd scored again to extend the lead to 3–0. Ballymena tried to respond but Randalstown defended well and dealt with their short-corner opportunity.
In the final quarter, Randalstown continued to push forward. Anna Kane linked up well with Mollie Kerr, creating another attacking opportunity, while the Ballymena goalkeeper made several saves to prevent further goals. Jessica then produced an excellent finish from the top of the circle to make it 4–0. Ballymena tried to get back into the game, but Isla worked hard defensively, winning possession and helping Randalstown regain control. Lana also made some important clearances, while the defence dealt well with another Ballymena short corner.
Overall, it was a fantastic team performance from Randalstown, with excellent passing and solid defending throughout all four quarters. POTM went to Lana Kennedy.
Thanks to Nathan Murdock for coaching and Laura Murray for umpiring!