Terrific away win for Antrim Hockey ladies Seconds

The Antrim Ladies 2nd XI travelled to Friends School, Lisburn on Saturday (7th Nov) to face South Antrim Ladies 5th XI in the latest League Junior 10 match up. And after a few tough matches recently, it was back to winning ways for the team in blue and white.

The match got off to a flying start, with Antrim dominating the first quarter and carving out some excellent attacking opportunities from the first whistle. Indeed, the early exchanges saw the visitors quickly win a penalty corner which Lorna Murphy converted to take the lead.

South Antrim came out stronger in the second quarter, the break giving the team time to regroup ahead of the second quarter. However, Antrim responded well with some beautiful combining plays winning further penalty corners, unlucky not to extend their lead by halftime.

The Antrim’s defence, when called upon, was utterly impenetrable. Katie xxx and Molly Burns put in powerhouse performances at the back, while Charley Britton-Hall and SR kept things incredibly tight, frustrating the opposition. Behind them, goalkeeper Danny Greenfield had a rock-solid game, staying sharp and pulling off one great save exactly when the team needed her most to preserve the clean sheet.

The visitors momentum continued into the third quarter, and they continued to control the game as both midfield and attack were firing on all cylinders.

Ella Naylor led a terrific performance dictating the tempo through the centre of the pitch, creating numerous goal-scoring chances. And the pressure paid dividends when Amber Williams found the back of the net to double the visitors’ lead, 0- 2, scoring her first of the season.

And the Antrim Ladies came close to adding a third from a last-minute penalty corner in the final quarter, but it wasn’t to be this time.

It was a solid team performance, with Antrim leaving with a clean sheet and points in the bag.

Coach Stu C commended the team on a great performance, moving the ball exceptionally well all day, displaying great passing sequences, and working seamlessly together as a unit. Player Of The Match deservedly went to Amber Williams.

Thanks go to Jacqui Robinson for umpiring on Antrim’s behalf, and to the supporters that travelled to cheers the Ladies on.

Meanwhile, the week started with a home fixture against Raphoe U15 girls, a rescheduled match from a storm-cancelled, October-scheduled fixture. After a delayed start, the visitors took an early lead which they held until not long before the end of the final quarter when Antrim scored to level things out and share the points.

And the girls are in action again on Thursday evening, 12 November at the Marks Arena vs Saintfield U15 girls.

The Youth Boys U11 and U13 combined teams are on the road on Sunday, 15 November at the Bangor HC organised blitz. The club wishes both teams good luck in a hotly contested event.

The club is still trialling Player Sponsorship and would greatly welcome community support to help grow the club. 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.

Coming up, it’s almost exclusively an Ulster Hockey ‘cup competition’ weekend coming up for the senior teams, with a few league matches interspersed for fun. Which means, for the Antrim Senior teams, the Men 2nd XI are the only team in action when they travel to Raphoe Men 3rd XI in the Junior 5 league, pushback 1245hrs.

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.