Rainey one step from promotion

Having played and won against Coleraine last week, Rainey were keen to do the same again on their home ground.
TEAM... The Rainey Ladies Hockey team pictured prior the start of their league clash with the PSNI at Coolnafranky last Saturday afternoon.INMM0713-342SRTEAM... The Rainey Ladies Hockey team pictured prior the start of their league clash with the PSNI at Coolnafranky last Saturday afternoon.INMM0713-342SR
TEAM... The Rainey Ladies Hockey team pictured prior the start of their league clash with the PSNI at Coolnafranky last Saturday afternoon.INMM0713-342SR

With only three games left in the league and presently sitting at the top of the league, Rainey did not want to lose any ground in their quest for promotion.

However, Coleraine, raw from their defeat last week, were determined not to give Rainey an easy game. Although sitting in the relegation zone, Coleraine put forward a tough and aggressive performance.

The game started slowly, Rainey was sluggish and not sparking to their full potential, although chances came, they were not capitalised on. The game was destined to be a hard slog in awful weather conditions, the wind and rain beating down on the two teams.

By half time, the score was still 0-0, Rainey were beginning to get frustrated and Coleraine were pushing hard in their attacks. Although having won two short corners in the first half, Rainey were unable to find the back of the net.

The second half started with some more gusto from the Rainey side; however this was matched by Coleraine. The Coleraine defence working hard marking the Rainey forwards out of the game, and breaking down attacks.

It was difficult for the Rainey team to get a clean shot away, however the Coleraine keeper was forced to make saves from Jenna Bowman, and others in the forward line.

However time and time again, the Coleraine side broke down play, and made forays into the Rainey half. Louise McMaster, Catherine Walshe, Robyn Hastings, Brianna Kerr and Claire Mulholland were put under considerable pressure at times to clear the lines.

However, less than a quarter of the way into the second half, the Rainey side eventually found the back of the net. After a saved shot on goal, the ball ran free in the Coleraine circle, there was a skirmish and Megan Mulholland picked up the ball on the goal line and fired it into the goals at nearly a 180 degree angle.

The remainder of the match picked up a gear, with the Rainey side determined to keep their lead and the Coleraine side trying their best to equalise.

The final whistle blew and with a score of 1-0, Rainey had another 3 points in the bag and are 1 step closer to promotion. They have two games remaining in the league – Parkview and Owls.

Rainey Ladies: Rebecca Allen; Louise McMaster; Catherine Walshe; Brianna Kerr; Robyn Hastings; Claire Mulholland; Zara Bell; Maeve McNally; Tori Hastings; Megan Murray; Jayne Speer; Megan Mulholland; Nicole Heaney; Jenna Bowman;

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