Ballymoney lose in Shield at Lurgan but grab league draw

BALLYMONEY lost to Lurgan in the Ulster Shield but grabbed a draw in the league.
SAMMY SAVES. Pictured doing what she does best is Ballymoney shot-stopper Sammy-Jo Greer in action during her side's 1-1 draw wih Lurgan.INBM40-13 043SC.SAMMY SAVES. Pictured doing what she does best is Ballymoney shot-stopper Sammy-Jo Greer in action during her side's 1-1 draw wih Lurgan.INBM40-13 043SC.
SAMMY SAVES. Pictured doing what she does best is Ballymoney shot-stopper Sammy-Jo Greer in action during her side's 1-1 draw wih Lurgan.INBM40-13 043SC.

Ballymoney 1st XI vs Lurgan 1st XI

On Saturday 28th September, Ballymoney 1st XI were at home to Lurgan 1st XI in the league. After a defeat on Wednesday night at the hands of Lurgan in the Ulster Shield, Ballymoney knew that they had to put in a top performance. Ballymoney started strong, with a short corner being won within the first 5 minutes, although Lurgan’s keeper cleared the shot well. Play continues with Nikki Parke going close but just missing the target. Lurgan then began to string together some passes and created some issues for Ballymoney but the midfield and defence stood strong and managed to keep them out.

Although a slight lapse of concentration let them down and they conceded two penalty corners within close succession. Ballymoney keeper Sammy Jo Greer dealt with both strikes well and cleared convincingly. In one of the last plays in the 1st half Ballymoney won another corner with Jessica Lynch just missing the goal with a deflection. The first half ended 0-0.

The second half started and Ballymoney were on top from the beginning with a penalty corner being won, from this Nikki Parke deflected a shot perfectly into the back of the net to put Ballymoney 1 up. With Ballymoney controlling possession and forwards working hard, eventually they were rewarded with another penalty corner. Lurgan were tight in defence and dealt with the corner with ease. This allowed Lurgan to counter attack and won a penalty corner, again Ballymoney keeper Sammy Jo dealt with this shot easily. Possession was very even as Lurgan began to test Ballymoneys defence. From this pressure they won a further corner, from which nothing came of. Jessica Moore had a strong run into Lurgans circle and managed to get away a straight strike which again was saved by the Lurgan keeper. Within minutes Lurgan were back putting pressure on money’s defence and with a scramble at the goal mouth with 10 minutes to go Lurgan managed to convert an equaliser. In one of the last plays of the game Ballymoney managed to win a short corner although sadly nothing was to come of it and the game ended 1-1.

* Lurgan 1st XI v Ballymoney 1st XI

On Wednesday 25th September Ballymoney 1st XI travelled to Lurgan to continue their run in the Ulster Shield. With Ballymoney adapting to a few changes and positions in the team this year the girls knew they’d have to work hard to come out on top. After a hard fought match, unfortunately Ballymoney were unable to come away with a win with the final score 2-1 to Lurgan.

Ballymoney were the first to strike goal from a penalty corner on the 25th minute. Susie Sneddon struck to ball beautifully, placing it in the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Ballymoney finished the first half a goal ahead.

In the second half the Ballymoney girls seemed to have a lapse in concentration and were caught on the back foot to allow the opposition back in the game. Lurgan continued their attacking mentality and scored their second goal in the final minutes of the match.

* Upcoming Fixtures: Weds 2nd Oct: 1st XI vs. Harlequins in Ulster Shield (home)

Fri 4th Oct: 1stxl vs. Armagh in the League 8pm (away)

Sat 5th Oct: 2nd XI vs. Lurgan 2.30pm (home)

3rd XI vs. Lisnagarvey 4pm (home)

* Night at the Races Fundraiser - Ballymoney Hockey Club invite you to A Night at the Races on Saturday 5th October in Ma Kelly’s, Ballymoney. Doors open 7.30pm, all welcome! Just pick a horse, place a bet & hope it wins! Guaranteed great night’s craic while supporting your local hockey club.

* Keep up to date with all the hockey action from the Ballymoney club with the Ballymoney & Moyle Times.