What a week for Ballymoney Hockey Club

WHAT a week it has been for Ballymoney Hockey Club.

First they had to beat Harlequins in the Ulster Shield and rely on another game ending in a draw for them to advance in the competition and that is just what happened.

And then in the league on Friday night they slammed in eight goals against Armagh.

On Friday Ballymoney travelled to Ardmore to play Armagh. Ballymoney had a number of short corners in the first 5 mins which were well defended by Armagh. Susie Martin started the scoring after 8mins with a superb strike from a short corner.

Ballymoney continued to pressurize the Armagh defence wining another short through Nicola Sargent, but no reward.

After 15 minutes and a slight lapse in concentration Armagh managed to pull one back to level the game. Coaches, Mark Evans and Angie Huey both rallied Ballymoney at this point and 2mins later Ballymoney won another short, this time Nikki Park blasted home number 2.

Ballymoney had all the possession in the remainder of the second half and after another short corner Nikki Park slipped to Jess Lynch who netted Ballymoney’s 3rd. Emma Kernohan was upping the tempo in midfield driving Ballymoney forward and creating opportunities. In the 32nd minute Ballymoney won another short which Susie Martin netted again. The young forward line which included Nicola Sargent, Catherine Knipe, Suzanne Brown and Lynn MacAuley worked hard and the half time score finished 4 – 1 to Ballymoney.

Ballymoney started the second half where they left off, with Nicola Sargent striking the post on 2 min’s. 3 minutes later Jess Moore had a super shot saved. The team worked and encouraged each other with Katherine Minahan, Alex Halliday and Aine Kearney helping Susie Martin at the back make Sammy Joe Greer’s job in goal much easier.

On 17 min’s Nikki Parke pushed in a deflection after a short to net her second and Ballymoney’s 5th. Suzanne Brown surged forward slipping an excellent pass to Cathryn Knipe to score Ballymoney’s 6th. Emma Kernohan was next to dribble all the way into the D evading several challenges. Her shot produced a super save from the Armagh keeper. Suzie Martin got her 3rd from another short to score Ballymoney’s 7th. With a minute to go Jess Moore dribbled in along the left base line and netted a superb goal. Final score: Ballymoney 8 Armagh 1.

Team: Sammy Joe Greer, Katherine Minahan Aine Kearney, Suzie Martin, Alex Halliday, Jess Moore, Emma Kernohan, Nikki Park, Jess Lynch, Nicola Sargent, Cathryn Knipe, Lynn MacAuley, Suzanne Brown.

* Ballymoney 2 XI vs. Lurgan. 5/10/13

On Saturday 5th October, Ballymoney 2s took on Lurgan 2s at the Joey Dunlop Centre in Ballymoney. The Ballymoney backs were doing well until a loss in concentration enabled Lurgan to capitalise on on-going pressure from their skilfull forwards, leaving Lurgan 2-0 up at half time.

During the second half the Ballymoney side scored a goal from a penalty corner, straight strike from Cathryn Knipe, deflection off Emma Patton’s stick onto Cara Ferguson for the finish leaving the final score 2-1.

Despite the score line, it was a very competitive game and Ballymoney feel they were unfortunate not to take any points away from match.

Forwards: Becky Gamble, Cathryn Knipe, Emma Patton

Links: Sara Gardner, Cara Ferguson, Rebecca Lightbody, Karen Morrison

Backs: Laura McCurdy, Clare Parkhill, Sarah Reid, Jane Sargent, Phillippa Laverty

Keeper: Kate McKane

* Upcoming Fixtures: - 1stXI vs. Belfast Harlequins 2.30pm (home)

2ndXI vs. Queens at 1pm (away)

3rdXI vs. Victorians at 4pm (away)

* A club spokesperson said: “Congratulations to Ballymoney players Emma Kernohan, Jessica Moore and Alex Halliday on being selected to play for the Under 18 squad for the Interpros in Cork.

“The Under 18 Interprovincial Series hits off in 2 weeks time in Cork and both teams will be looking to bring the titles back to Ulster. The Interpros bring together all areas of Ireland with Leinster, Munster, Connacht and the South East taking part in the tournament. The matches being played at Cork C of I are: Friday 18th October:

South East v Ulster (6.00pm)

Saturday 19th October:

Ulster v Leinster (12.00pm)

Ulster v Munster (5.00pm)

Sunday 20th October:

Connacht v Ulster (12.00pm)

“Ballymoney Hockey club wish the girls all the best in the upcoming tournament.”

* Ritchie Remo in Ballybrakes Indoor Bowling Club on Wednesday 13th November 2013 supported by JD Country and Hugo Duncan.

Tickets available now from Ma Kelly’s Ballymoney and Ballymoney Hockey Club members. Tables of ten available. The club look forward to seeing everyone there for a night’s craic!