Excellent performance from Money Thirds in Plate final

Ballymoney Third XI played Priorians Second XI in the final of the Plate on Saturday 18th April at Stormont Playball pitches.
Ballymoney Third XI who lost to Priorians in the Plate final despite and excellent performanceBallymoney Third XI who lost to Priorians in the Plate final despite and excellent performance
Ballymoney Third XI who lost to Priorians in the Plate final despite and excellent performance

The players started the match in style with a walk on before they were introduced to Ulster Hockey president Ann Rosa. This did not phase the Ballymoney girls as they started very strongly and went on to dominate play for the first 15 minutes of the final.

They were very unlucky not to take the lead, which could have made all the difference, with shots on goal from Lauren Henry and Emma Creelman which were saved by the Priorians keeper.

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Priorians stepped up their game midway through the first half when they swapped some of their First XI players into their forward line which strengthen the side considerably.

A ball that flashed across the Ballymoney goal was ably converted by their forward at the back post to take a fortuitous lead.

It seemed that this goal knocked the confidence of the Ballymoney team as their heads appeared to drop and this allowed Priorians to get the upper hand and they continued to press forward.

There was little to split the teams as they both battled hard and there was just one goal between the two sides until midway through the second half when Priorians managed to break through the Ballymoney defence and slot home their second goal of the afternoon.

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Despite this Ballymoney fought back and dominated the play for the last 10 minutes of the match. They were extremely unlucky on numerous occasions not to convert and in true Ballymoney spirit they continued to give 100% to the final whistle.

Despite losing out to Priorians on finals day, Ballymoney Third XI were more than delighted to reach the Plate final and have they have very high hopes for the future of the side next season.

Ballymoney Third XI would like to thank Rob Harris for driving the team bus, all the supporters for travelling to Stormont on Saturday to give much appreciated support, Ma Kellys Grill Bar for their hospitality on Saturday evening and Lauren Steen for coaching.

Ballymoney: Lamont, Campbell, Moore, McGuigan, Doherty, McCracken, Alexander, McCaw, Holden, Creelman, Henry, McLaughlin, Reilly, Ennis, O’Neill