Bann girls earn draw in Shield

This was Bann’s second time meeting Bangor as they had previously played them in the league a couple of weeks earlier.

Bann knew from their league game against Bangor that this was not going to be an easy game and they would have to work tirelessly to secure a win.

Bann put a lot of pressure on Bangor from the first whistle with man to man marking proving to be successful and Bann forcing Bangor to make mistakes.

Defensively Bann were on top form with some great interceptions from Cathy Buchanan in GD. Christine Cartmill (GK) and Cathy Buchanan (GD) put a lot of pressure on Bangor’s shooters forcing them to take long distance shots and picking out rebounds on the rare occasion that Bangor’s shooters missed their shots.

Joanne Kerr (WD) and Emma Boyd (C) worked well to block Bangor’s shooter out of the circle to allow the defence more time to reposition themselves in the circle. When the ball was intercepted by Bann’s defence Joanne and Emma with the help of Helen Monaghan in WA worked the ball well up the mid court bringing it to Bann’s shooters who eagerly converted the interception to a goal.

Bann went into the second half determined to maintain their lead over Bangor. However, some unforced errors in the third quarter gave Bangor the advantage and allowed them to take a one goal lead going into the fourth quarter.

Bann knew they had to fight hard in the last quarter to win the game against a very determined Bangor side.

Both sides wanted to win the game and with Bann’s shooters on top form they secured any chances they had on goal sinking shots from all around the shooting circle.

Bann’s attackers worked the ball enthusiastically down the court with Emma Boyd (C) and Helen Monaghan (WA) producing some lovely feeds into shooters Sarah Aiken (GA) and Emma Cartmill (GS).

Bann’s attack also put on a strong defensive front when the ball was being played from their shooting circle up to the Bangor shooting circle. This worked well and Bann managed to capitalise on any errors made by a spirited Bangor side.

Bann knew the score was very close and it went down to the final seconds of the match when Bann conceded a penalty shot in the Bangor shooting circle. Bangor missed their shot on goal and after an exciting game between two well matched sides the final score ended in a draw 36-36.

Player of the match: Christine Cartmill.

Thirds win last match of season

The last game of the season for Bann Thirds against Rathfriland started at a fast pace from both squads.

Good pressure from Bann’s Kay Kelly and Maxine Williamson causing shooting errors from Rathfriland were converted by Bann ending the quarter, Bann 9-3 Rathfriland.

At half time a few changes were made. With the shooting circle a little unsettled, Rathfriland pulled back a few more goals. However, strong defensive work from Bann created more opportunities to pull the lead further.

Banbridge went into the last quarter determined to hold the lead. Bann’s defenders stealing a few rebounds and again being converted to goals finishing the game with a fantastic win Bann 40-18 Rathfriland.