Ballymoney have Hallowe’en to forget as they lose to UCC in IHL in Cork

At 5.15am on Saturday, a sleepy Ballymoney Ladies squad boarded a bus bound for Cork to play in the prestigious Irish Hockey League.

The team arrived to a very wet and rainy University College Cork hoping the poor weather would turn around for pass back. Unfortunately, the rain continued throughout the warm up and into the match.

During the first quarter the Ballymoney girls had a slow start, taking a while to get the long bus journey out of their legs. UCC were the first team to win a penalty corner, which was easily dealt with Ballymoney goalkeeper Jodie Shannon. Captain Nikki Parke created a good chance with a brilliant run, finding Katherine Minihan who was unlucky not to convert.

In the second quarter the team were a lot more organised and the defensive back line blocked any potential threats. Ballymoney forwards Katherine Gawn and Susanna Brown worked hard to press UCC defenders who fought hard and defended their circle very well.

The third quarter continued the goal drought, with neither teams able to find the net. Special mention must go to Katie Smith who put in an essential tackle when a lone UCC striker broke free into the circle.

Unfortunately for the Ballymoney girls, UCC found the net with an unstoppable deflection following a free hit into the circle.

Another goal came for UCC from a penalty corner straight strike to make it 2-0 at the final whistle.

BALLYMONEY III 0

MOSSLEY III 1

On Halloween night Ballymoney III played Mossley and lost out by a single goal.

The Toon got off to a flying start with good pressure on the opposition, but took a while to find their feet.

Mossley only broke through Ballmoney’s defence twice but the Toon put up a good fight and managed to get the ball out for speedy Sarah to get up the line.

Lauren Henry, through in some good dodging and with help from Aimee McCaw doing some good strong spins around players, and broke through the opposition defence but unfortunately at the end of the first half there were no goals.

The second half began with Mossley putting pressure on Ballymoney and they got a short corner and score setting the score to 1-0 to Mossley.

Despite the best efforts to try a win a goal with Emma Millar playing brilliant up the left side and Sara Carr doing great skills, Ballymoney could not find a goals.

Ballymoney had a great match with great tackling from Emma Creelman in defence, and fantastic saving from Judith McCracken in goals.

Even though Ballymoney lost 1-0, we played well as a team and having a great match with only a few falls...and getting soaked from head to toe!

FIXTURES

Ballymoney v Queens

at 2.30pm

Annadale v Ballymoney III at 1pm (Junior Cup)