Seconds lose out in cruel fashion

Rainey Ladies II 1

Rainey Ladies II travelled to Larne on Saturday for the semi-final of the Minor Cup.

All eyes were on Rainey to defend the cup they held from last season. The Magherafelt girls faced strong opposition from the start, and it was perhaps against the run of play when a Barbara Allen pass set up an Emma Currie goal.

Rainey managed to hold this lead until the end of the first half with some great saves from Nicole Badger. Unfortunately the Larne girls came out with renewed vigour in the second half, and soon converted a penalty corner in to the equalizer.

Rainey were forced to take a more defensive approach from here, with Kathryn Stewart, Danielle Yorke, Emma Leslie and Karla Garvin playing some excellent hockey. When Rainey managed to get the ball out of the danger zone, great passing from Lindsey Morrissey, Cara suitor and Ciara McNally created some great chances for Shauna Donald and Grace Kelly.

Though the final score line of 1-1 would suggest there wasn’t much to separate the two teams, Larne III seemed to be a much stronger side and the Rainey girls are to be congratulated on a very determined performance.

In spite of some great saves by Nicole Badger, Rainey went on to lose in penalties, by the cruel margin of one goal. Congratulations to Rainey on a great performance and a successful season.