Intermediate Cup Round 1: DLHC 1XI 1-2 South Antrim

In a break from league action, it was Cup weekend for both Donaghadee teams, with the 1XI welcoming Senior 2 side South Antrim 1s to Bangor Grammar in the first round of the Intermediate Cup, while the 2XI were back to Dromore for the second week in a row, this time for the Junior Cup.

Not only are South Antrim a league about Donaghadee’s 1XI, they are also current holders of the Intermediate Cup so Saturday was going to prove a good test for the Dee. Indeed the home side got themselves off to a dream start when some slick pass and move hockey got them deep into South territory straight from the first whistle. 

With less than a minute on the clock, Jess Moore put the home team in front with a cool finish that she lifted over the diving South Antrim keeper, and Donaghadee were one to the good before anyone had time to settle in to the game!

That seemed to waken South Antrim up and for much of the remaining first quarter, Donaghadee needed to be on their mettle as the well-drilled Lisburn side looked to make inroads.

Their pressure bore fruit when, shortly before quarter end, they broke down a Dee attack and within three passes were in the Donaghadee circle, some clinical finishing levelling the score as the break beckoned.

The second quarter was a lively affair, with Donaghadee very much holding their own against the higher opposition; both sides created chances with neither able to take advantage. 

With the third quarter Donaghadee began to tire against a team rotating subs four at a time, and the visitors’ attacking pressure mounted to the point where Donaghadee conceded a penalty stroke for a deliberate foot on the line – South making sure with a well taken flick to take the lead.

Much of the remainder of the match was a similar story, with Donaghadee defending heroically and working hard to make the most of their breaks, but unable to work the keeper sufficiently to add to the scoreline.

Final score 2-1 to South Antrim, with Donaghadee now entered into the Intermediate Plate. With thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to Red Leaf Kitchens and Interiors for sponsoring the match ball.

Junior Cup: Dromore 2-0 DLHC 2XI

The 2s were back down the A1 for the second week in a row, this time for the first round of the Junior Cup. They met a strong Dromore side who completed their win double thanks to a 2-0 score line – which definitely did not reflect the effort put in by the Dee girls!

Thanks to Dromore for supplying a second umpire and best wishes to them in the next round.