Randalstown see off Harlequins with impressive victory

Randalstown First XI claimed an impressive 4-1 win over Belfast Harlequins on Saturday.
Randalstown Hockey Club.Randalstown Hockey Club.
Randalstown Hockey Club.

Harlequins, seeking revenge for their Ulster Shield semi-final defeat by Randalstown, opened well, playing some long balls through the centre to be picked up by high lying forwards however these were quickly cut out by a strong Randalstown core of Alex Ogilby, Erin Getty, Zoe Wilson and Katherine McDowell.

After a scoreless first half, Randalstown’s pressure finally paid off and some slick passing work from the midfield into the attacking circle left space for Nicole Moore to slot the ball into the back of the net, 9 minutes into the 2nd half.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Randalstown were quickly rewarded by a further goal from Kerry Coulter who picked up a through ball at the right post deflecting it into the net.

Harlequins were however rewarded by a quick break 15 minutes before the end, resulting in a goal. Randalstown kept composure and responded by winning a penalty corner. Zoe Wilson beat the keeper with a powerful low drag to make Randalstown’s third goal.

More great passing work opened space giving Katherine McDowell the opportunity to pass the ball back to Zoe in the penalty spot who slotted the ball into the net to seal the victory.

SECONDS

Randalstown II 2, Ballymena II 2: The visitors were quick off the mark, stretching the ‘Town defense across the pitch and creating chances. It wasn’t long before their hard work paid off, when some quick passing found a free Ballymena player on the post to put the visitors one up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However after winning a free on the edge of the circle, Jayne McGrillen took the ball single handedly around several defenders before laying it off to Trinity Geddis on the back post, to bring the match level at half time.

The home side came out fighting in the second half and their pressure paid off when the ball landed nicely for Nicole Moore to beat the keeper and put Randalstown ahead. It was short lived however, when a breakaway run by Ballymena found the back of the ‘Town net for the equaliser.

FOURTHS

Randalstown IV 1, Greenisland II 0: The decisive goal in this game came after 15 minutes after Randalstown broke into Greenisland’s circle, their first shot was saved, but Zoe McDowell pounced on the rebound and buried the ball into the back of the net.

UNDER-15

The under-15 Performance team maintained their unbeaten run with a convincing 5-0 win over Rainey on Friday night.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Charlotte Stacey led the way with a hat-trick, while Anna Doherty and Kathryn Quinn were also on the scoresheet.

Well done also to the five U11 and U13 teams who played in Larne on Sunday in very blustery, cold conditions.