HOCKEY: Coleraine win league opener at Annadale

The team was completely reformed from last season and so it was always going to be a learning curve. The mach started at a high tempo and it was Sue Nutt who had the first shot at goal after only five minutes. Coleraine continued to pressure the Annadale keeper, and Lisa Browne made it 1-0 ten minutes in.

Lynsay Wallace in midfield helped to keep the pressure on and working well with Elaine Simpson they made life difficult for the home team defence. Before half time, Rachel Miniham had a scorching shot deemed outside the circle and the goal was disallowed, but this kept the pressure on and Coleraine went into the second half with the upper hand.

After the restart Annadale increased the pressure, but Sam Tayler in goals and Hilary Andrews in defence were always up to the task. Leah Watton and Alison Nicholl, both who were new to the squad coped with the tempo without any difficulty and kept the Annadale attack quiet. Katherine Miniham then came on and linking well with her sister in midfield, made a number of runs giving the opposition plenty of work to do in defence.

Anna Breslin continued the attack and Emma Jameson was able to get through the defence a number of times but the home keeper kept her side in the match.

Alex Balmer made a number of important tackles to keep the pressure off the Coleraine circle, and the whole team worked as a unit to maintain their lead and make it three points out of three for the league so far.

Next week the firsts host Larne at 2.30pm at the University and there are high hopes that the winning continues further into the campaign.

* COLERAINE Seconds crashed to a 5-0 defeat when they came up against Grosvenor Thirds in their first match of the season last Saturday.

Coleraine side started off strongly with good movement in the middle from Sarah Gilchrist, Molly Kane and Jenna McMaster.

The Grosvenor side soon showed their experience though, and Catherine Kemps and Torrie McAfee were under constant pressure from the wingers.

A mistake from a Coleraine player led to a break from an unmarked Grosvenor player who made no mistake and slotted the ball home.

After the restart, Grosvenor piled on the pressure and this led to a quick second goal. Annie McAfee, who was playing her first senior game for the club, led a break for the home side, and with some good passing between Charlotte Lowden, was unlucky not to score.

Sarah Gilchrist also had a chance to score but a last ditch tackle from the Grosvenor sweeper meant the Coleraine players were left frustrated.

Grosvenor’s third goal came from a counterattack, leaving the Coleraine keeper, Rebecca Crowe, no chance. Half time score 3-0 to Grosvenor.

In the second half a penalty corner for Grosvenor lead to the goal of the game, with keeper Rebecca Crowe making a fine save, before a Grosvenor attacker flicked the ball into the top corner of the net.

Coleraine still kept their heads high and fought for every ball, and were unlucky to concede a fifth goal.

Despite the scoreline, Coleraine can draw on strengths from the game, with some good passing play and some great individual skill during the match.

Thanks to Shaun Hartin for coming down to coach, and for Debbie Millen for umpiring, as well as to the spectators.

Coleraine Seconds next game will be at home against Ballyclare Thirds.