Senior League 3: Newry 1-2 DLHC 1XI
Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club kicked off their 2022/23 campaign with a win away to Newry on Saturday thanks to a brace from captain Kerry Kennedy.

Donaghadee enjoyed long spells of possession throughout the match, with the first quarter arguably their best. Indeed the first goal came midway through that first period when Kerry made a scything run through the Newry defence from the 23 to unleash a trademark reverse stick shot from the top of the circle to give Donaghadee a deserved lead. Newry did enjoy chances in the shape of two penalty corners but neither troubled the Dee rearguard.

The second quarter was scrappy with the heavy pitch and warm weather combining to snuff out much free flowing hockey: despite a lot of endeavour the Dee didn’t manage to create any chances from open play, although one penalty corner did require a smart save from the Newry keeper.

Donaghadee picked up the pace after the half time whistle and enjoyed further good possession, this time fashioning no fewer than five chances, three of which were on target. Kerry took advantage of this purple patch of pressure when she took an attacking free quickly deep into the Newry defensive quarter. With the home defence caught napping, the midfielder drove into the circle along the baseline to squeeze a shot between the keeper and post from a seemingly impossible angle: 2-0 to Donaghadee.

The final quarter saw Newry making a couple of quick breaks with one penalty corner finding its mark midway through the quarter to make the score 2-1. Donaghadee took that as their wakeup call and reverted to dominating play, with the midfield pushing up high as the team searched for a third goal. No further goals but Donaghadee were delighted to come away with a hard-fought and deserved victory to take their first three points of the season.

The team will be hoping to build on that when they welcome Larne to Bangor Grammar on Friday night, pass back 7pm.

The Seconds were due to play Pegasus but were awarded an easy three points when Pegasus conceded the game on Saturday morning. The 2XI are also in action on Friday night at BGS with a home match against Dromore, pass back 8pm.

Centenary Ball
Preparations are well underway for the club’s Centenary Ball which is taking place at Clandeboye Golf Club on Saturday night, in what is shaping up to be an excellent event. Some tickets still remain – please get in touch via the club’s social media channels to secure yours.

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