A hard hit for Priorians

This was set to be a close encounter with the home teaming sitting comfortably at top of Senior 2 and the visitors showing great form.

The game started well for the home side as Prior took a while to adapt to the water based pitch. Banbridge put pressure on the visitors with well rehearsed drills, playing down the sidelines and switching play effectively across the field.

Lack of communication in the Prior defence allowed a free player to convert an easy chance into the goal.

Prior refused to let this affect their resolve and within a short period of time worked the ball up the pitch putting pressure on the home sides defence.

Heather Manning picked up the ball within the attacking area, linking well with Karen Campbell, worked the ball to the baseline before pashing into the circle where Emma Sproule slotted it into the goal past the keeper to equalise the score line. Before the first half was over the home side came out in attack mode to gain back their lead.

They were rewarded with two penalty corners in quick succession, these were both taken hard from the top of the circle with a straight strike, both shots speed past the defence and left on-form keeper Megan McClintock no chance.

With the score at 3-1 to Banbridge, Prior had much to sort out at half-time.

The city of culture residents started the second half with confidence and positive calling.

The ball was worked from defence of Kristel Brown, Rhonda Duddy and Alex Graham with short passes trying to gain ground. When Prior entered the home sides circle they caused problems for the Banbridge defence, unfortunately this did not happen enough.

Midfield players of Kathryn Rough, Claire Lightowlers and captain Bronagh Doherty tried relentlessly to switch play and create more chances to even up the score line.

The forward line up of Emma Sproule, Demi Harper and Netty Wilson fought hard alongside the rest of the team to battle for the ball and keep it within their attacking half.

Much to their coach’s disappointment they did not affect the score line. As the final whistle blew the team felt despondent but realised the season is not over yet.

Priorians play host to Killkeel this Saturday at St Columb’s Park for the penultimate game of the season.

Prior will be facing this team again the coming weeks due to a postponed game in December. All support is very welcome. Joint players of the match were Kristel Brown and Netty Wilson.

Priorians Firsts: Megan McClintock, Sharon Karyannis, Rhonda Duddy, Kristel Brown, Heather Manning, Bronagh Doherty (c), Kathryn Rough, Netty Wilson, Claire Lightowlers, Demi Harper, Karen Campbell and Emma Sproule.