Pre-season local derby match for AHC

Antrim travelled to the Showgrounds on Saturday to play local rivals Ballymena in what has become an annual pre-season warm up.

Both sides were made up of a mixture of second and third XI players which for both teams translated into youth and experience.

The game was played in a hard but extremely sporting manner with both teams playing all out attacking hockey.

Antrim faired the the best with Paddy McClean scoring along with Tommy Monahan who netted two and Ryan McCrea who left the half time score at 4-0.

Ballymena came out in the second half fired up and quicly scored two with the visitors realising that the Ballymena ‘green machine’ could play some sharp passing hockey if given half a chance.

Antrim upped their game and started to play two and three touch passing hockey with the result that Greg Shirley & Paddy found the back of the net to secure the win.

Best performers were Antrim’s young guns, Chris & Jason Roe along with the ever improving Calum Totton, Adam Monahan and Paddy McClean. The league kicks off this Saturday for the Antrim lads and the 1st eleven will have a mid-week game in the cup. Check our facebook page for details.

Finally thanks to the Ballymena team for a great game and both umpires Daviid Lorimer & Antrim’s Jack Rankin.

Antrim wish the ‘Green machine’ Ballymena best of luck for the season ahead!