Senior 2/3 Promotion/Relegation Playoff: DLHC 1XI 0-0 Castle (Donaghadee win 2-1 on run ins)
On a day of high drama in scorching conditions at Playball, Stormont, Donaghadee 1XI secured Senior 2 hockey for next season; the highest league the club has participated in since the current incarnation of Ulster Hockey’s leagues.
There has been very little hockey played in the last couple of months with Senior 3 wrapping up back on 8th March with a Plate semi final a month later the only competitive action the squad has seen but a number of friendlies and several training sessions were completed to try and keep sharp.
On a day that was fabulous for the large crowd that turned out to cheer on both sides but less great for running round at full pelt, both teams took the initial stages to feel their way into the game, Donaghadee probably shading it in terms of possession and penetration but despite best efforts, they found the Castle keeper in superb form.
In what turned out to be an end-to-end game, both teams were intent on playing attacking hockey with the final stats showing that Donaghadee dominated the circle entries: 26 to Castle’s 19 but again Castle’s keeper kept her side very much in it with the Dee’s 10 shots on target all repelled, while Faith McMillen in Donaghadee’s goal only had to content with two shots from Castle.
Half-time provided a welcome respite from the relentless heat in the form of the pitch sprinklers: players and spectators usually scatter when the half-time watering commences but none of the players moved too far out of the way while the jets completed their arcs this hot afternoon!
Both teams took advantage of their rolling subs and it is credit to all involved that there was hardly a drop in pace as the match wore on. There was so little to choose between them that it was becoming obvious to all watching that a single goal would probably settle it but who would find the break through?
Turns out, neither side and in order to provide maximum anxiety for the coaches and top entertainment for the spectators we headed for run ins. With both sides having selected their five attackers Donaghadee won the toss and opted to shoot first. Leanna McGimpsey-Young stepped up to take the Dee’s first which she did with aplomb: 1-0 to Donaghadee. Castle were unable to reply before Hannah Younge was next for the Dee and she doubled the advantage.
Castle then pulled one back with their next strike before Faith – in only her second season of hockey – drew on her previous footballing experience to become Donaghadee’s hero of the hour. Making herself big, rushing out to close down the attacker, driving them well wide of the goal or forcing them to overrun the allotted 8 seconds meant that not another Castle shot got past her to give Donaghadee the most dramatic of victories much to the unbridled delight of the team and all the supporters sporting red and green on the sideline.
Coach Willie McAdam was understandably delighted with the victory. “All 15 players contributed today putting together an absolutely superb team performance, even though it would have been a lot less stressful if they had managed to do it in normal time!”
The club passes on their thanks to the two UH umpires for officiating and commiserations to Castle for a well-fought game that came down to the tightest of margins on the day. Next stop, Senior 2!
Stick It To Cancer Sixes
Official league action has now wrapped up for the season but everyone at the club is very much looking forward to the second charity Sixes tournament on Sunday 1st June with all proceeds going to Marie Curie and local cancer charity Fire Lily, dedicated to 1XI defender Sarah Hooks whom we lost earlier this year.
There are still some spaces left for teams so please contact the club on social media to enter, and donations can be made online at https://www.justgiving.com/page/dlhc-sixes2025 or in person on the day. With a barbeque (kindly sponsored by Ards Fireplaces), tuck shop and refreshments all organised, it will be a good, fun day so even if you’re not playing please do join us to catch up with hockey friends, old and new.
Stick It To Cancer Sixes: 1pm to 5pm on Sunday 1st June at Bangor Grammar – all welcome!
Donaghadee LHC 