Impressive win for Randalstown

The lcoal girls started in lively fashion, taking a three goal lead in the opening ten minutes.

The first goal game from good build up play on the right hand side which led to Jayne McGrillen latching onto a cross at the far post. It was only a few minutes later that the scored was double, a good long ball from Alex Ogilby into the circle was struck first time by Jayne into the back of the net.

The forward’s hat-trick was complete minutes later when good movement up front from Katherine Elkin and C-J McDonald opened up space for Jayne to strike from the top of the circle.

The score was soon four nil after an excellent solo run from Erin Getty bursting through the Portadown defence from her own half to cross to Megan Quinn who slotted the ball in at the back post.

With only minutes to go until the half time break Randalstown eased up on their momentum which allowed Portadown to put together an attack leading to a goal.

Randalstown struggled to control the second half in the same manner of the first half allowing Portadown to build in confidence and put together several plays. However, determined to end the match the way they started Randalstown upped their tempo in the last ten minutes. Good attacking play and team passing lead to C-J McDonald sealing the win with the fifth goal. Her attacking prowess led to her being first to reach a loose ball in the circle and fire it into the back of the net.

Overall, it was a convincing win from Randalstown who hope to continue this through the remaining group matches. Randalstown would like to thank Mike Campbell for umpiring. Their next game will be against Dungannon at Mossley this Wednesday (8pm)in the Denman Ulster Shield. Thanks to Redz for their continued support and sponsorship for the 1st XI team

SECONDS

Randalstown II 1, Pegasus II 3: Despite a strong start by the home team Pegasus went 1-0 up in the first half thanks to an unfortunate deflection by a defender at a penalty corner.

After a half time team talk by coach Andy Gleghorne, Randalstown came out of the blocks quickly and a swift attack down the left involving Sharon Graham, Nicole Moore and Megan Quinn was finished neatly at the back post by Alice Reid. Despite large periods of possession the home side were unable to capitalise and two breakaway goals from Pegasus sealed the points.

Thanks to Doherty and Grays for their continued support and sponsorship for the 2nd XI.

THIRDS

Randalstown 3’s were at home to Banbridge 2’s. on Saturday and suffered a 2-1 defeat.

The game started quickly with an early goal from Banbridge.

Randalstown continued to defend hard with good balls from the back by Ellen Lamont. But Rebecca Greenfield’s dive as the ball was hit in by a Banbridge forward was not quite enough so Banbridge increased their lead to 2-0.

Half time came and Randalstown kept their heads high and with increased the work rate. With a good ball from Carys Brown to Kirsty, allowed a great goal from Kirsty!

Many attempts were made with great balls in from Ellen Lamont, and a few short corners but no equaliser scored.

FOURTHS

Randalstown IV 1, Ballymoney III 2: Randalstown were geared up to play from the start despite only having 10 players. It wasn’t long before the pressure from Ballymoney resulted in them winning several short corners and having a period of endless shots on target, but Shirley Reid proved far too strong a keeper saving all shots made as the half ended scoreless.

The second half started again with strong attacks from Ballymoney and after about 5 minutes the girls conceded a very unlucky goal.

Randalstown responded straight away with great forward midfield play from Kirsty Clarke linking up with Lisa Thomas. Quick thinking from Lisa Thomas resulted in her making a super pass to Sammie-Jo Nutter, who was poised in the circle ready to strike.

Sammie-Jo made sure she took her time and precisely placed the ball through the Ballymoney keepers legs, to equalise.

Despite this superb effort by all 10 players Randalstown conceded a very unfortunate goal with only 5 minutes left to go and were unlucky to lose the match 2-1.

SAINSBURY’S SCHOOL GAMES

Randalstown 1st XI player Erin Getty travelled to Manchester last weekend as part of the School Games competition representing Northern Ireland. Ulster were unlucky to go down 3-2 against an England Select team on the opening day. The second day saw Ulster beat Wales 6-0 with 3 goals in each half with Erin getting on the scoresheet.

This meant that Ulster would play in the Bronze match on the final day. The girls team faced an England Select team in the final match beating them 2-0 to take home the Bronze medal.

Well done to all involved and special congratulations to Erin

SUMMER BBQ

Randalstown Hockey Club are holding their first event of the new season on Saturday 19th September.

It is a BBQ evening at Redz, Junction One in Antrim.

Cost is £5 for the meal. This event is open to all members, family and friends.

There will be music and entertainment following the food.

Please help support your local club and our sponsors Redz.