HOCKEY: McFall and Russell get Larne Ladies’ season up and running

Larne started off well, putting Grosvenor under pressure from the offset. Some great movement up front allowed incisive passing through the midfield and into the circle.

The home side were creating many chances but couldn’t convert. Any Grosvenor attack was on the break, and the defence managed to prevent any clear chances.

The breakthrough finally came 10 minutes before half-time. A first time pass into the circle was only partially cleared by the ‘keeper and Angela McFall was on hand to fire in the rebound.

Larne got their second soon after when Gillian Russell slammed the ball into the far corner after her initial effort had been blocked.

Grosvenor came out stronger the in the second half and put Larne under pressure.

But Larne still continued to play a great passing game and were always a threat. Despite some late pressure from Grosvenor, they managed to clear the danger and the score remained 2-0 to Larne.

Larne Ladies: L. McClelland, R. Love, N. Kempton (c), K. Neill, L. Booth, G. Rennix, B. McFerran, S. McGookin, B. McVeigh, G. Russell, A. McFall, L. Snoddy, P. Crawford, S. Russell.

n Meanwhile, it was a hockey washout in the Sixmile Valley at the weekend with Ballyclare Ladies left idle.

Waterlogged pitches at Ballyclare High School grounds resulted in Senior League fixtures with Raphoe being postponed, but normal programmes are expected to resume on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Carrick Ladies lost 5-0 in their Senior Two fixture away to Omagh Ladies.