Ladies rescue a draw to secure their first point of the campaign

Gillian russell on the attack for Larne Ladies in their 3-3 draw with Cookstown at Greenland INLT 43-265-AM

Larne opened the game looking the more lively and better organised team with the injured Stacey McGookin taking to the side-line to manage the team.

The home side were soon rewarded with the opening goal of the game, Zoe Purdy firing the ball into the back of the net giving Larne the lead from an impressive aerial ball from Leigh Snoddy.

Cookstown soon settled and began to put pressure on Larne’s defence, levelling with a deflection at the back post after some good pressure and build up play.

Minutes later Larne again took the lead through Gillian Rennix.

Larne set up from the back and tried to beat the Cookstown press, but unfortunately a penalty corner brought Cookstown level again just before the half time whistle.

The visitors fought bravely from the start of the second half and managed to win a penalty corner, but Larne’s defence worked well and cleared the ball. Larne counter attacked quickly but the Cookstown defence where on hand to pick the ball up.

Cookstown then made a counter attack of their own, forcing Larne to concede a penalty corner which they coolly converted to take the lead for the first time.

An excellent end to end game was then finished off with Larne pressing forward and winning a penalty corner of their own. Leigh Snoddy stepped up only for the keeper to save it. However Purdy was on hand to slam home the rebound giving Larne their first point of the season.

Final score Larne 3- Cookstown 3.

n Larne Ladies 2nd 15 travelled to Coleraine in the Intermediate Cup to take on a 1st XI side riding high in their league.

Coleraine took the lead in the opening three minutes, but as Larne grew into the game, the home side were temporarily reduced to 10 players following a rash challenge on the advancing Dee Wallace.

It was late in the first half when Coleraine got their second goal from another penalty corner.

Coleraine converted another penalty corner in the second half to put the game beyond Larne.

Final score Coleraine 3 - Larne 0.

n Larne Ladies 3rd 15 travelled to Dungannon on Saturday.

Both teams started strongly, however it was the home side who took an early lead.

Larne responded well and midway through the first half won a penalty corner which Kerry Erskine deflected in at the near post to level the game.

Final score Dungannon 1 - Larne 1.