Junior 10: CI 6XI 2-2 DLHC 2XI
The 2026/27 season got underway last weekend, and it was the 2XI of Donaghadee LHC who struck the first ball of the weekend with a trip to East Belfast to face CI 6XI.
Having started off at a super tempo, Donaghadee were 2-0 to the good thanks to some really lovely link up play across the pitch between back and front. Vicky O’Neill was making some lovely lateral runs to find space on the wings while Caroline Davison was able to get stuck in in midfield to break up play and work alongside Rachel Nicholson (making her competitive debut for the Dee) to keep Donaghadee on the front foot.
With debutant Courtney Visser bedding in defensively with Lisa Higgins and Natalie Jamieson, and Robyn McVeigh returning to Dee colours, Donaghadee’s rearguard clicked very well as CI passed and probed for a killer ball.
With plenty of attacking play in the CI half, Donaghadee found themselves with a two-goal cushion thanks to two great goals before half time, the first of which was made by a super run by Katie McKee, whose initial shot was parried by the CI keeper only as far as Carolyn Scott rushing in on the rebound, and the second which was made by Joey Patton and finished by Katie.
CI had moments of their own, and their diligence was rewarded in the third quarter thanks to a goal from open play followed by a pinpoint straight strike at a penalty corner. With things all square going in to the final quarter, Donaghadee looked to reassert their dominance, with newbie Zara Wood moving into the left midfield role.
Despite several great opportunities and a couple of shots that came very close to the CI keeper’s posts, Donaghadee were unable to capitalise further, leaving the final score 2-2, and a very valuable point on the road to open the campaign.
Special mention goes to 2XI captain Megan Inglis who not only played despite feeling absolutely rotten, but also kitted up to do a stint in goal – Captain Fantastic! Thanks to Row Moore for umpiring.
Having navigated CI 6XI, DLHC 2s now face CI 5XI, also playing in Junior 10 this season, this Saturday at Bangor Grammar. Pass back is at 2.30pm and all support is very welcome.
Senior 2: Limavady 6-0 DLHC 1XI
On Saturday it was the turn of the Dee’s 1XI to get underway and it was a tough trip to the Northwest to kick things off. It was a quick turnaround for about half the team, 6 of whom had been in action for the 2XI less than 24 hours earlier and for a large part of the game, resolute defending kept the score to 1-0 to Limavady – scored in the first quarter thanks to a penalty stroke awarded for a Dee foot on the line stopping a clear shooting opportunity.
Donaghadee kept the home team at bay (wo)manfully until the third quarter when intense pressure from a strong Limavady outfit led to a number of penalty corners, two of which were converted to give the home team a 3-0 cushion.
With no subs to call on, the Dee tired in the last quarter and Limavady were able to add another 3 in what was a deserved victory, albeit disappointing for the Dee as it didn’t reflect the level of commitment and effort from all in a red shirt to keep the score so low for so long. Thanks to the two Ulster Hockey umpires, and the 1XI are away again next weekend, to Ballyclare, pass back there 1pm.
Top of the Dee Loyalty Card
The Club has officially launched a brand-new Loyalty Scheme, open to players, supporters and friends of the club to unlock exclusive everyday savings while supporting local businesses.
The new initiative is open to the all; anyone living in or visiting Donaghadee can sign up to receive the loyalty card which, for £30 will give access to a growing directory of discounts and special offers across participating retailers in the town.
The initiative is designed as a win-win for the town and club: providing tangible savings for local people while driving regular footfall to local high-street traders and providing a vital cash injection to club funds.
How to get involved:
- Friends and supporters: Sign up to get your exclusive card to start saving immediately across town.
- Businesses: Join the directory to reach new local customers.
Sign up and browse all active discounts at donaghadeelhc.co.uk/loyalty.
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