Three-sy does it in fine home win for Bann ladies

Banbridge Ladies 1st XI hosted Cookstown at Havelock on Saturday past.
Banbridge's Sarah McCracken in action recently. Pic by Rowland White / PressEyeBanbridge's Sarah McCracken in action recently. Pic by Rowland White / PressEye
Banbridge's Sarah McCracken in action recently. Pic by Rowland White / PressEye

The home side started on the front foot with some one touch hockey opening up the Cookstown defence.

Their pressure finally paid off mid-way through the first half.

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Forwards Alex Jenkinson and Cathy Rees hassled the Cookstown defence and Rachel Kerr was on hand to calmly slip the ball in from close range.

Cookstown were stunned into a response having had all previous chances cleared by the Banbridge defence of Jill Mehaffey, Megan McKenna and Charley Brush.

Sarah McCabe was also alert to any danger, advancing off her line on a few occasions to prevent any potential shot on goal. However, Cookstown found the back of the net after some good pressing, leaving the score 1-1 going into half time.

Banbridge started the second half much the same as the first, with the central pairing of Gail McConnell and Sarah McCracken distributing the ball well.

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Despite Cookstown’s increasing pressure, the Bann defence were able to clear their lines.

The home team stepped up their game but a nasty eye injury to Sarah McCracken forced them into a personnel change. Amanda Morton came on and did a good job to break up Cookstown attacks and protect the defence.

Bann were clearly rocked by the injury and Cookstown attempted to take advantage of this. However persistent play from Amy Atkinson lifted the pressure off Bann as they won a penalty corner.

After a good save from the Cookstown ‘keeper, Rachel Cairns found Samantha Bann at the back post, who deflected in, giving Bann the lead again.

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The home team continued to create chances and finally ensured they would pick up the 3 points when Elayne Brown skilfully volleyed in from close range. The game finished 3-1 to Banbridge.

The team would like to thank A,B & C Insurance for their continued support.

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