Ballymoney Seconds sail to seven-nil success

On Saturday 10th November, Ballymoney 2XI ladies played against Dromore 2XI ladies. Ballymoney stepped on to the pitch starting with great determination and willpower.

As soon as the start whistle was blown Ballymoney forwards were straight to the ball, putting a lot of pressure on Dromores defence. With some great interlinking play between the midfield and forwards Olivia Kearney managed to see the ball to the back of the net.

Dromore Ladies then stepped up their game, putting pressure on the Ballymoney defence line, but Ballymoney were not letting anything past them. Ballymoney’s defence were able to clear balls back out into midfield, allowing Catrhyn Knipe and Lauren Mullan to have great breaks up the line, with great skill and stick work the ball was hit into the circle allowing Olivia Kearney have a reverse sweep on target – scoring another goal. The half time whistle was blown with the score 2-0 to Ballymoney.

After the half time team talk, Ballymoney were refreshed and ready to set out again to score more goals. Ballymoney were playing some great hockey, with Nicola Sargent dribbling in and out of Dromore’s players she was able to find the back board of Dromores net.

Dromore came fighting back, winning a penalty corner, but with a strong Ballymoney defence they were never given the chance to strike at goal. Again, Ballymoney pushed the ball wide, with nice set pieces coming in to play, Olivia Kearney was able to score again.

Dromore’s heads started to drop which allowed Ballymoney to take advantage, scoring another cracker goal in the top of the net by Becky Webb.

Kate Ruddock placed in to midfield gave her the chance to make her way into the circle, scoring her first goal of the season, and the 6th goal of the match.

Dromore started to put some attacking pressure on Ballymoney defence, but with some great tackles, Dromore weren’t getting into their attacking circle. In the last five minutes of the match, Ballymoney pushed up high again, with a great strike from Lauren Mullan and a final touch by Cathryn Knipe the ball was placed in the back of Dromores net yet again. The final whistle blew leaving the score 7-0 to Ballymoney.

Ballymoney 2XI would like to thank Diane for coaching, supporters that came to watch and their team mascot Sarah Kirgan.

Team - Clare Parkhill Lesley Davis Lauren Mullan Alex Halliday Sarah Reid Nicola Sargent Olivia Kearney Cathryn Knipe Manon Eymere Kate Ruddock Becky Webb Kate McKane.

* Fixtures for next week

Friday 16th @8.15pm 1st Xl v Armagh - League; Saturday 17th 2nd XI, free week bye in McConnell; 3rd XI home to Civil Service 2.30pm; Sunday semi final of the Ulster Shield, 1st XI v Queens at 2.30pm.