Hockey: Harlequins rattled by Ballyclare

Omagh’s point gained against Larne enabled them to leapfrog Suzanne Dickey’s girls into sixth spot, while Harlequins’ win keeps them ahead of Lisnagarvey on goal difference at the top of the league.

The ‘Clare girls shocked the pace-setters when they drew first blood at Foundry Lane, with Ruth Sutherland converting a Tori Wallace pass.

Harle1uins’ immediate response was a series of attacks, forcing ‘keeper Claire Grills into action before they eventually drew level from a penalty-corner and later took the lead in open play.

Ballyclare started the second half forcing three penalty corners. Sutherland and Wallace’s shots were saved and team captain Suzanne Dickey’s effort hit the side-netting.

Harlequins weathered the storm and responded with two goals to secure the 4-1 win to enhance their promotion aspirations.

Girls of the Game: defenders Ruth Sutherland and Emma Patterson.

Ballyclare Ladies panel, C Grills, L Holmes, E Patterson, C McGookin, T Wallace, C Darragh, L Ashcroft, V Milligan, S Dickey (C), V White, K Bell, N McMillan, K McLeod.

On Saturday the Ballyclare girls have a home Irish Senior Trophy clash against Rathgar from County Dublin.

Don’t miss this week’s Newtownabbey Times for comprehensive coverage from Mossley Men’s and Ladies’ Hockey Clubs, and Parkview Men’s and Ladies’ Hockey Clubs.