Seconds come back from a goal down to record victory over Elks in McConnell Shield

ULSTER ELKS II 1

Ballymoney II played host to Ulster Elks in the McConnell Shield on Saturday

Ballymoney started strongly, but were well matched by the away side. From the first whistle the tackles were hard fought from both the visitors and Ballymoney’s defence of Ruth Sutherland, Lesley Davis, Claire Parkhill and Ciara McGuigan.

Early on Elks were able to make a break away and took their chance passing around Ballymoney to win three short corners in a row. Their perseverance paid off and they went 1-0 up.

Ballymoney did not give up, they fought hard making quick passes through the defence to midfield and on to the forwards of Charlotte Campbell, Olivia Kearney, Karen Morrison and Sara Gardner. Their effort was rewarded with a well placed pass from Laura McCurdy across the circle for Philippa Laverty to slot in. Both teams settled into there play and the second half finished with a spell of even play.

After a firey half time team talk from Diane Kirgan and Ruth Sutherland the girls started the second half with hunger for the win. Ballymoney came out fired up with the midfield of Sally Stewart Moore, Judith McCracken and Philippa Laverty working well together to give the attackers some great chances on goal and they were unlucky not to convert from a string of penalty corners.

However, Ballymoney kept the momentum up with the hard work paying off with two minutes to go from some very skilful play from Sara Gardener which earned the Toon girls another penalty corner. Ruth Sutherland confidentially fired into the bottom left corner to leave the final score 2-1.

Ballymoney II would like to wish Sally Stewart Moore all the best in her new venture and thank Laura McCurdy for her guest appearance on Saturday.