Strong wins for Dalriada against Roesiders

They travelled to Limavady Grammar and in a closely fought match they lost out 2-1 to their opponents.

The first half was dominated by Limavady who managed to get an early goal but this did not stop Dalriada who continued to fight back, with the midfielders Georgina Cochrane, Manon Eymere and Hollie Fleming creating various opportunities at goal.

Towards the end of the first half, Limavady broke through to score another goal, making the score 2-0.

Dalriada came out into the second half, determined to raise their game and scored an excellent goal through their sweeper, Emma Millar.

This lifted the team's spirit when she scored a fantastic goal from a penalty corner. Dalriada continued to push forward, with a skilful performance from right wing, Shannon Calderwood. Both teams displayed very strong phases of play, but despite many great attacks and scoring opportunities, Dalriada could not manage to find the back of the net. The defence worked very well together, denying Limavady any more goals, with Priya Kher making vital tackles. Sarah McMullan must be commended for some stunning saves, especially as it was her first match in goal.

The final score saw Limavady as 2 -1 winners. The team would like to thank all coaches, especially Mrs Ruddock, and also all umpires.

Dalriada 3rd XI had a narrow loss to Limavady Grammar 2-0.There were many close efforts from Stephanie Calderwood, Diana Clark and Sarah Boyles. The first half saw Dalriada having most play of the play but Limavady's defence was very strong. The game was notable for some great goal keeping from the newly acquired keeper Sarah McMullan and good defending from Alice Moore and Claire Cooper.

Dalriada U14 A's met at the Joey Dunlop Centre to play Limavady Grammar and were thrilled to beat them 1-0.

Limavady did make an impressive start but Chelsie McKendry, centre back, and Emma Johnston met the challenge head on. The game quickly changed ends with Dalriada winning several short corners. Thanks to some strong play from Emma Armstrong and Emma Chestnut it eventually resulted in a super goal from Lynn Macaulay. The game was intensely fought right to the very end, however Dalriada made a huge team effort and maintained their 1-0 lead.

The team would like to thank Nikki Parke for coaching them and umpiring the match.

Dalriada under 14 B team also played Limavady Grammar at the Joey Dunlop centre and they too beat their opponents 2-0. The match started quickly with centre forward and captain, Ellen Yates scoring the first goal of the match. For the rest of the first half no other goals were scored but there were a lot of very close efforts and good saves made by both teams. During the second half Dalriada came out looking to get another goal as did Limavady.

Both sides played very well but Ellen Yates scored another goal putting Dalriada further in the lead after some good work by Rachael McPherson who played very well throughout the game. The team would like to thank Mrs Shorter who coached them for this match.

Dalriada's U13 A and B's both went head to head with Limavady at Dalriada, ending the A's 2-0 winners and the B's by the same score.

Dalriada's pushed off the game and had a shaky start with their mid-fielders failing to catch up with their player when they lost possession of the ball. However, when they got into their comfort zone and found their way in the match, they gradually started to mark up their players and so intercept passes from the other team. Limavady showed good skill by getting the ball out of their own half and into Dalriada' circle. Sophie McPherson of Dalriada played very well at left back, quickly intercepting passes and carrying the ball back up the pitch. Halfway through the first half, Katie Pierce, right back for Dalriada, took a free hit and pushed a hard pass into the circle where Claire Finnerty, centre forward, took a swing and slotted it into the back of the Limavady net.

The second half started with Limavady's centre pass.

Dalriada quickly took possession of the ball and swept it towards their goal, passing out wide as well as up the middle. After a number of penalty corners conceded by the Limavady, Dalriada scored a second goal. This was a skilful tap in by Eva Carson, centre midfield, after some excellent team play by Dalriada. Limavady rarely got the ball out of their own half and when they did Dalriada's defenders were always there to deal with them. Exceptional performances came from Rebecca McCabe, sweeper, and Emma Glen, the right back. Everyone on the pitch gave everything they could and tried their very best.

The team would like to thank Sue Ruddock and the coaches from Limavady for umpiring, Mr Bradley for coaching them and Mr Winchborne for supporting them.

In the B game Dalriada ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Megan Lundy and CaitlinWinchbourne.