Dalriada hockey girls struggle against Rainey

ON Saturday Dalriada's First XI travelled to Magherafelt to play Rainey Endowed School at the Meadowbank Indoor Sports Arena.

It was a new experience for the team, not having played on an indoor pitch before, but one which we were certainly intrigued and excited about!

From the outset it was obvious that this was going to be a difficult game. Not only were Dalriada missing two valuable players, Katie Mullan and Hannah Todd but Rainey scored almost immediately; therefore Dalriada found themselves trailing behind within the first few minutes. However, determined play saw an equalising goal shortly after as centre-midfield for the day Laura McCurdy skilfully dribbled the ball to the circle, before passing it to left wing Olivia Laughlin at the right post, who deflected it into the back of the net. Celebrations, however, were short lived as soon afterwards Rainey scored two more goals. Despite many scoring opportunites, especially for the forwards, Rebecca McPeak, Johanne McAlister, Danielle Ormerod and Olivia Laughlin, Dalriada couldn't find the back of the net. At half time the score was Rainey 3, Dalriada 1.

After an encouraging team talk from the captain Danielle Ormerod, the team went out and continued to battle on. More determined play saw great attacks towards the circle by the skilled midfielders Laura McCurdy, Sara Gardner and Jessica Smyth. Some lovely phases of play developed, allowed by strong, accurate passes, particularly down the left between left back Emma Gardiner and Jessica Smyth. Defence also coped well with Rainey's quick attacks, with Sarah Reid being as consistent as ever and Lauren Ramage making some crucial tackles. Furthermore, Goalie Rebecca Moore was responsible for several stunning saves. Stand-in centre backs for the day Gemma Glendinning and Priya Kerr must also be commended for super performances despite feeling the pressure of playing for the First's. Even with this spirited performance from the team, an additional quick break from Rainey saw another goal, leaving the final score Rainey 4-Dalriada 1.

Team: Danielle Ormerod (capt), Rebecca McPeak, Johanne McAlister, Olivia Laughlin, Jessica Smyth, Laura McCurdy, Sara Gardner, Emma Gardiner, Gemma Glendinning, Priya Kerr, Lauren Ramage, Sarah Reid, Rebecca Moore. With thanks also to our coach for the day, Mrs. Ruddock for her support and also for umpiring the match.

Dalriada's under 14B side played Rainey at Dalriada's home grounds. and Rainey won comfortably 5-0.

In the first half, Rainey Endowed started very with an almost immediate attack upon the Dalriada team. However, Dalriada fought well and held Rainey off well and cleared many attempted goals. Unfortunately it wasn't good enough with Rainey scoring twice. In the second half, Dalriada made some very good shots for a goal but were unfortunately unsuccessful with Rainey scoring three more times. The final score was 5-0 to Rainey Endowed. The player of the match was Katherine Hanna for a series of excellent saves and in particular the quick reactions to a daunting flick headed for the face. Dalriada would like to thank their coach, Mr McAuley, and the umpire on the day.

Dalriada School under 13B's played Rainey Endowed School at the Dalriada School grounds, the score ended at 0-0. Despite the final score it was an interesting and exciting match. Dalriadas' forwards pushed hard and made it into the circle of the opposing team but Raineys' defence proved that it would take a lot more to beat them than getting in to their circle. Right Mid - field, Rachael McPherson did very well in driving the ball from one end of the pitch to the other and getting the ball into the forwards. At the start of the second half Dalriada came out a bit stronger than they had been in the first half. Chelsie McKendry, Sweeper and Charlotte Calderwood, Left Wing playing particularly well. During the second half Dalriada had most of the possession. Near the end of the match Rainey were determined to score a goal but the shot was saved by Goalkeeper, Zara Loughridge. The match was very well played by both sides and the Dalriada under 13B team would like to thank Mrs Scott and Mrs McPherson for coming out to coach them.