Flooding problem forces cancellation of hockey games at Forum

Fortunately Randalstown 1st XI team managed to move their 2.30pm fixture to a 4pm slot at Mossley Hockey Club in Newtownabbey with the agreement and cooperation of the opposition team and umpires.

This unexpected change in schedule and venue disadvantaged both teams and the umpires. For several Randalstown players who were working on Saturday evening, they needed to reschedule their work or postpone it due to the changes.

This pitch is one of the oldest in Northern Ireland and coming into the winter months this scene is likely to become more permanent causing more cancellations for league fixtures and training sessions for the local clubs using the facilities.

FIRSTS

Randalstown 1, Ballymoney 1: After this game was switched to Mossley, Randalstown paid the price for a slow start when a poor ball out from the Town defence was hit straight towards a Money player who burst into the circle and whose shot was deflected into the goals of a retreating defender for Money to open the scoring midway through the half. Randalstown hit back at Money having several attacking plays in the Ballymoney half but couldn’t find an equaliser.

Randalstown’s persistence to push forward throughout second the half was eventually rewarded in an equaliser from Jayne McGrillen.

A long through ball from Alex Oligby found Jayne unmarked in the Money circle who turned and rounded the on rushing keeper to slide the ball into the net.

Many thanks to the travelling supporters, and the umpires and players agreeing to the change in time and venue. Thanks to the continued support of Randalstown 1st XI sponsors Redz, Junction 1.

THIRDS

Randalstown III 0, Belfast Harlequins III 4: Randalstown went behind against the run of play but after opening the scoring Harlequins kept up the pressure and scored twice more before the break before adding a fourth goal in the second half.

Randalstown fought back at the end with a good spell of possession and Sophie Robinson was unlucky not to score finding the side of the net twice.

FOURTHS

Randalstown IV 1, Banbridge III 0: Randalstown’s journey to Banbridge on Friday night resulted in a well-earned victory.

The decisive goal came 20 minutes into the second half from a short corner being pushed out to Jacqueline Robinson, who slipped it right to Laura Elliott who clinically finished, placing the ball perfectly in to the Banbridge goal.

TABLE QUIZ

Randalstown Hockey Club are hosting a Table Quiz at Massereene Golf Club on Saturday 14th November. This annual event is open to everyone. Tables of 6 people costing £5 per head. The quiz consists of general knowledge and other topics to cater for all young and old alike.