Donaghadee LHC

REPORT | 25 Jan 2020: DLHC 1XI 3-0 Ballynahinch 1XI and DLHC 2XI 0-1 Ballynahinch 3XI

Posted on 27/01/2020 by Donaghadee LHC

Carolyn scores the Dee’s first against Ballynahinch

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 3-0 Ballynahinch 1XI
With Ballynahinch one point ahead of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI in the middle of Senior League 3, it was a big game at Bangor Grammar on Saturday.

The early exchanges were fairly even as both teams felt their way into the match but Donaghadee showed their intent early on: forward Carolyn Scott breaking through a tackle to set up a one on one with the Hinch keeper at one end, with Siobhan McAdam pulling off a smart save at the other.

The first half was all about the resilience of the Donaghadee rearguard. Paige Reilly was in commanding form on the left, Sarah Hooks marshalled the right, while Laura Boyle did a splendid job in the heart of defence – her blocking and tackling ensuring that Siobhan was only pressed into service on a couple of further occasions.

With the half time score 0-0 coaches Brian McKee and Marc Jeffrey switched things around a little to try and get Donaghadee’s midfielders on the ball further up. The tactic drew almost immediate reward, with captain Helen Hooks feeding Kerry Kennedy in the middle of the pitch.

A super first time ball cracked into the attacking circle by Kerry found Carolyn who left the keeper sprawling as she buried the ball in the back of the net to finish the move and give Donaghadee the lead.

With Donaghadee pressing much higher up the pitch thanks to sterling work in midfield by Chloe McGookin and Lisa Higgins, not to mention the pace of Natalie Jamieson, the Dee soon doubled their lead.

With the midfield working hard to create an opening, Kerry was on hand at the top left of the circle to get a powerful low, shot away. In the absence of a slow mo replay to determine whether the ball was going to sneak just inside the post or not, Carolyn made sure it definitely did cross the line in the right place with a poacher’s special. That’s one that will be debated again over a glass or two…

There was no debate about Donaghadee’s third: a terrific piece of play that showed how clinical 3 passes can be. Kerry set Carolyn free down the left with a pinpoint pass that sliced open the Ballynahinch defence.

Bursting forward into the Hinch circle, Carolyn squared the ball on her reverse stick to right wing Tasha Moore who, completely unmarked the far side of the keeper, finished confidently to round off the scoring for the Dee: final score 3-0 and a big three points that lifts the Firsts into fifth place in the league. With massive thanks as always to Janice McVeigh for umpiring duties.

Next up for the team is a trip to south Down away next Saturday to play the league leaders, Kilkeel.

Junior 9: DLHC 2XI 0-1 Ballynahinch 3XI
The 2XI were unable to repeat the Firsts’ victory, going down 1-0 to Hinch’s 3XI in a tight, entertaining game the Seconds were unlucky not to take at least a point from. Thanks to Carolyn Scott for umpiring.

The 2XI are next in action at home to Holywood 2XI, pass back at BGS at 1pm.

Line the Pitch with Pounds
The next collection for our Line the Pitch with Pounds fundraiser is tomorrow night (Wednesday 29th January), so we’d really appreciate any spare pound coins you can spare as we see if we can cover our pitch’s halfway line with coins. All contributions brought to training will be very much appreciated!

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Cash for Clobber
We’re also collecting all your old clothes, shoes, curtains, handbags, towels, sheets and blankets to turn into cash for our club funds: just give yours to any DLHC club member for the round up at training tomorrow night too. Thanks in advance for your help!

Posted in 2019/20 Match Reports | Tagged Ballynahinch | Leave a comment

REPORT | 18 Jan 20: DLHC 1XI 2-4 NICS 2XI

Posted on 20/01/2020 by Donaghadee LHC

Intermediate Plate Round 2: DLHC 1XI 2-4 NICS 2XI
Welcoming Junior 3 side NICS 2XI to Bangor Grammar in the Intermediate Plate on Saturday, the 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club was filled with youthful energy, with no fewer than five regulars of the 2XI stepping up for this game.

The opening exchanges were fairly even as both teams probed the opposing defence: Donaghadee creating a couple of good chances that went just wide, and Service doing their best to unsettle the Dee rearguard. With regular right back Amy Long suffering a hamstring injury, Floss Scott was pressed in to early service for Donaghadee, renewing her defensive partnership with fellow 2XI defender Jemma Thompson in the heart of defence.

The visitors were quick to take advantage of the defensive reshuffle with two well worked penalty corners which found their mark, with two further very well worked goals from open play to give them a 4-0 lead going in to the half time break.

With a bit of regrouping Donaghadee created much more play and opportunities in the second half: Chloe McGookin getting stuck in on the left of midfield to press high up the pitch, with Jan Morrow on the opposite side doing her best to disrupt play.

One brilliant interception allowed Jan to play a through ball to the top of the circle where Carolyn Scott pounced to rifle home an unstoppable shot past the static Service keeper to get Donaghadee off and running: 4-1 to get the comeback started!

Kerry Kennedy then had a great opportunity to double the Dee’s tally with another shot from the edge of the D but a smart save from the opposing No. 1 kept the midfielder out.

As play swung down the other end – Service’s young left winger making great progress on several occasions – Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam was forced into a couple of super saves, off her line and alert to close down the danger, sliding out to clear the ball to the safety of Paige Reilly’s stick. Laura Boyle, employed in the sweeper role on Saturday, put in some superb tackles and blocks to keep the visitors out too.

With Donaghadee weathering that storm, Vicky O’Neill and Natalie Jamieson begain to combine well on the left for Donaghadee, a through ball allowing Natalie to burst through in to the attacking circle.

With Carolyn running laterally across the goalkeeper, she picked up on Natalie’s pass and rounded the keeper before finishing the move with a reverse stick dink into the back of the net. 4-2 – was a massive late second half comeback on the cards?

Young Dee winger Erin Hamilton certainly did her best to keep getting the ball forward with some great runs up the sideline: one penetrating run only thwarted late on as Erin threatened the Service circle.

With the Dee forwards unable to cause any more problems for the Service keeper and the score finished 4-2 to NICS, with best wishes to them for the next round, and thanks to Janice McVeigh for umpiring.

It’s back to league action on Saturday with both teams playing host to Ballynahinch: the 1XI play their Firsts at 1pm, followed by the Dee’s 2XI taking on the Hinch 3XI at 2.30pm, both at Bangor Grammar.

Line the Pitch with Pounds
The next collection for our Line the Pitch with Pounds fundraiser is just round the corner, so we’d really appreciate any spare pound coins you can spare as we see if we can cover our pitch’s halfway line with coins.

Cash for Clobber
We’re also collecting all your old clothes, shoes, curtains, handbags, towels, sheets and blankets to turn into cash for our club funds: just give yours to any DLHC club member for the round up on Wednesday 29th January. Thanks in advance for your help!

Posted in 2019/20 Match Reports | Tagged intermediate plate, NICS | Leave a comment

REPORT | 11 Jan 2020: Derg Valley 4-1 DLHC 1XI and NICS 5XI 0-2 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 13/01/2020 by Donaghadee LHC

A heroic performance from the Derg 9 on Saturday

Senior League 3: Derg Valley 4-1 DLHC 1XI
With only 9 players declaring themselves available for the long trek west on Saturday to Castlederg, it was going to be a tough ask in a game the Dee has in recent seasons found to be a good source of points.

With an initial break from the Derg centre forward well snuffed out by Floss Scott – making her 1XI debut in the centre of defence in less than ideal circumstances, but fitting straight in right away – Donaghadee were quick to get into their stride.

Playing with Carolyn Scott as the lone forward, Donaghadee’s midfield of Lisa Higgins, Helen Hooks and Natalie Jamieson did their best to feed forward as quickly as they could. Their harrying and hassling high up the pitch so nearly provided an early opening for the Dee; Carolyn shooting just wide as the chance went unconverted.

Donaghadee were working well as a unit: Amy Long, Floss and Sarah Hooks kept the gap closed between defence and midfield, with Paige Reilly sweeping in behind to marshall those in front of her, making it very hard for Derg Valley to find their way through to Siobhan McAdam in the Donaghadee goal.

It took a lucky break down the Dee’s right for Derg to penetrate and despite an initial save from Siobhan – hitherto mostly a spectator – the second shot was put away to give the home side a 1-0 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

It was a story that was mirrored in the second quarter: so much positive, go forward play from Donaghadee that just needed additional bodies in the last 25 to finish the moves, but cancelled out by a second Derg goal just before the half time whistle.

Undeterred Donaghadee kept to their game plan and shortly after the turnaround a superb crash ball from Sarah on the left found Carolyn with her back to goal at the top of the circle. A quick pivot gave her the space to get the shot away and the keeper had no chance: 2-1. Mon the Dee!

In the early stages of the second half Donaghadee kept Derg Valley pinned in their own half, and several well taken penalty corners were swept gratefully wide by the home defence as Donaghadee pressed for the equaliser.

With Lisa covering seemingly acres of ground acting as a midfield-come-winger on the left, and Natalie providing cover on the right, there was no obvious way through for Derg, but a lucky break saw a home forward through on goal, only for Siobhan to pull off a superb sliding save to clear the danger.

With Donaghadee legs understandably tiring as the final quarter got underway, Derg found themselves with another break and despite Siobhan getting the tip of her outstretched stick to the ball, it snuck inside the post to give Derg a 3-1 advantage.

Donaghadee continued their efforts to keep pressing high up the pitch but with gaps inevitably appearing, the home side put the icing on their cake with a very late fourth and final goal. Final score 4-1 to Derg Valley, with thanks to them for providing two umpires for the match, and for excellent post-match refreshments.

The 1XI look forward to Saturday when they take on NICS 2XI at home in the Intermediate Plate. Pass back is at 1pm at Bangor Grammar and all support is most welcome.

Senior 3 league table as at 13th January 2020

Junior 9: NICS 5XI 0-2 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee 2XI were back in action in the new year against NICS 5XI away to Civil Service last Saturday.

From passback, Donaghadee showed no signs of post-Christmas rustiness as they attacked straight from the first whistle through some great linking play between the midfield and forward line, with Katie McKee using her speed brilliantly on the right hand side to put pressure on the NICS defensive line.

NICS then tried their luck in an attacking move of their own but defenders Jemma Thompson and Finlay Mitchell were quick to keep them out.

Some lovely passing in between Vicky O’Neill and Erin Hamilton in the centre created a through ball into the NICS circle which allowed Katie to take a shot to give Donaghadee a very welcome goal.

At half time the Dee were 1-0 up but it certainly wasn’t over yet. NICS tried their luck in several attacking positions but Donaghadee keeper Janice McVeigh was on hand to keep them out, with Georgia Ferguson and Mia Park out wide to feed the ball through to the attackers.

Some beautiful interlinking play in the 3rd quarter from Molly McKee and Carmen van der Schyff lead to a shot on goal which was deflected into the back of the net by the opposition to give the Dee a 2-0 cushion.

In the final quarter the Dee still had plenty of energy left and some beautiful ball skill from Vicky allowed the red and green to break through the NICS back line once again, where Katie was able to get away her shot but it passed the post just agonisingly wide.

Thanks to Civil for providing an umpire. The 2XI are next in action this Saturday when they play Bangor 3XI at BGS, pass back 2.30pm.

Posted in 2019/20 Match Reports | Tagged derg valley, NICS | Leave a comment

REPORT | 7 December 2019: DLHC 1XI 0-2 Instonians and Owls 1-0 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 09/12/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Never letting a bad result get in the way of a good night!
Christmas Do, 7th December 2019

Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 0-2 Instonians
The final game of 2019 for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI took place on Saturday against Instonians.

With both teams mid-table in the league and a narrow 1-0 victory for the Dee at Shaws Bridge at the start of the season, there’s been very little to choose between the sides over the last few years and despite the final scoreline on Saturday, this match was very much along the same lines.

There were ebbs and flows for both sides as they tried to gain a foothold: both attacks causing the keepers to make good saves, and both defences standing strong to repel any danger. The first two quarters were played at a frenetic pace but neither side was able to find the key to unlock the deadlock.

After the half time switch round, Instonians took advantage of some loose play and were able to sneak the ball over the line to give themselves a 1-0 lead, doubling it in the third quarter with a well-worked penalty corner.

In return, Donaghadee were unlucky when they hit the crossbar down the other end, and they did ask further questions of the Inst keeper, but the visitors’ line was not to be crossed: 2-0 to Instonians in what was a pulsating game of hockey. Thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring. The 1XI now go in to several weeks’ break, with the next match in the new year.

Junior 9: Owls 1-0 DLHC 2XI
The 2XI went down narrowly away to Owls on Saturday when they were really unlucky to concede an early goal. Despite plenty of energy and effort to try and get a goal back, Owls managed to hang on for the 3 points. With thanks to Emily Morris for umpiring duties.

The 2XI round off 2019 when they welcome South Antrim to BGS on Saturday, pass back 2.30pm.

All the festivities at the Christmas Do
Both teams managed to put the defeats to one side in order to enjoy the festivities in Harbour and Co on Saturday evening, with Secret Santa pressies, good food and great company. Mon the Dee!

Posted in 2019/20 Match Reports | Tagged chirstmas do, instonians, owls | Leave a comment

REPORT | 30 Nov 2019: Rainey 6-0 DLHC 1XI and DLHC 2XI 1-1 Saintfield 3XI

Posted on 02/12/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Junior 9: DLHC 2XI 1-1 Saintfield 3XI
Despite losing players to the winter bug that’s been going about, and several players stepping up to play for the 1XI, the 2XI of Donaghadee LHC had a great game last weekend against Saintfield 3XI at Bangor Grammar.

An excellent early goal in the first quarter from Molly McKee set the Dee off to a flying start, and fighting long and hard throughout the whole match, Donaghadee made numerous great breaks up the pitch to keep the pressure on the Saintfield defence.

Donaghadee’s defence were not to be outdone however and they did brilliantly to thwart any Saintfield attacks, with every player putting in a massive effort from beginning to end.

With the match drawing to a close, an unfortunate late equaliser for the visitors in the final quarter left the final score a 1-1 draw; a brilliant point for the Dee considering the circumstances.

Massive thank you to Kerry Kennedy for umpiring and the spectators who braved the cold to watch the team play. The Dee 2XI will be up again this Saturday against Owls 3s away, pass back at Roughfort is at 1pm.

Donaghadee’s 1XI was decimated by illness and unavailability for their Cup match away to Rainey on Saturday, final score there 6-0 to the hosts. The 1XI are back to league action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Instonians to BGS, pass back 1pm.

Posted in 2019/20 Match Reports | Tagged rainey, saintfield | Leave a comment

REPORT | 23 Nov 2019: Cookstown 2-1 DLHC 1XI

Posted on 25/11/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior 3: Cookstown 2-1 DLHC 1XI
The 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club put in a massive shift against league leaders Cookstown on Saturday, going down only narrowly 2-1.

Cookstown came down from Senior 2 at the end of last season and on current league form – 7 played, 5 won with 28 goals scored before Saturday’s match – must be keen favourites to return to the higher league.

Donaghadee’s keeper Siobhan McAdam epitomised Saturday’s entire team effort with an outstanding display in goal, two early saves made cleanly and cleared wide away from danger setting the tone for the afternoon, and a performance that drew the plaudits of the home team after the game.

Cookstown managed to break down the Dee defence midway through the first quarter however when they created space for an attacker to run on to the ball and a swinging shot was duly despatched to make the score 1-0.

As the second quarter got underway the Dee midfield began to get a bit of a foothold in the game, with Kerry Kennedy and Jan Morrow dovetailing in the middle to break up play and feed the Dee’s young wide players Vicky O’Neill and Erin Hamilton.

Some typical stick trickery from Kerry in the attacking circle earned the Dee a penalty corner and that was converted with feeling by Carolyn Scott to bring Donaghadee level going into the half time break.

Cookstown retook the lead in the third quarter when good movement from their forwards left Donaghadee out of position to create the space required to get the shot away.

Donaghadee dug in however and the defence continued to show huge amounts of grit and determination to keep the home side at bay.

Paige Reilly and Amy Long in the full back positions took charge of their circle with two commanding performances and a super display of team work and communication.

Laura Boyle too, playing deep in an unfamiliar sweeper role, tackled anything and everything that moved, making several great blocks and clearances as the last line of defence to get the ball away from danger.

Cookstown continued to press for the goal that would give them some daylight but the harrying and hassling by the Dee ensured that balls were not going to home sticks and attacking passes were nullified.

Chloe McGookin and Tasha Moore in the wide midfield positions both played a tremendous role in that respect, snapping into tackles and closing down the channels as the home side tried to find a way through down the wings to no avail.

Donaghadee did have the odd chance to draw level late on but the shots were either just wide or well saved, leaving the final score 2-1 to Cookstown. It may have been a loss for Donaghadee but there were some huge positives that the girls will draw on for their upcoming matches.

It’s a break from league action for the 1XI as they travel to Magherafelt to play Rainey 2XI on Saturday in the Intermediate Cup while the 2XI take on Ards 4XI in the Minor Cup this Wednesday evening at BGS before welcoming Saintfield 3XI, also at home, on Saturday, passback there 2.30pm.

Line the Pitch With Pounds
As the end of the month approaches, so too does the second count up of the £1 coins that all club members have been asked to collect as we see if we can cover the halfway line from one side of the pitch to the other with pound coins.

With over £100 collected in time for October’s count, the bar was set incredibly high but we’re hopeful of matching or bettering November’s total.

November’s count will take place on Wednesday evening at BGS so to be in with a shout of getting next year’s fees paid, make sure you bring your pounds to go into the draw. For non playing participants, why not give your contributions to your favourite player to help them in the big end of season draw?

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Posted in 2019/20 Match Reports | Leave a comment

REPORT | DLHC 1XI 6-1 Parkview and DLHC 2XI 2-0 NICS 4XI

Posted on 18/11/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 6-1 Parkview
It was back to winning ways in grand style for the 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club when they dismantled Parkview at home on Saturday.

Following a 1-1 draw against Enniskillen in horrendous conditions, this week’s weather was much kinder: cold but calm, which made for much better, flowing hockey. Parkview began by putting the Dee defence under considerable early pressure; Donaghadee keeper Siobhan McAdam was forced into a couple of excellent early blocks and parries to repel the initial attacks.

The attacking intent from Parkview told however and they got just rewards for their endeavours when they scored from a penalty corner to open the scoring and go 1-0 up.

That elicited an immediate response from Donaghadee when Chloe McGookin – previously of Parkview – cut through the middle to feed Kerry Kennedy in the attacking 25. Driving forward, Kerry was able to get a shot away from the very top of the Parkview circle to wrong foot the keeper and draw the Dee level.

Donaghadee used the goal to really push on and the attacking play continued. Helen Hooks made a trademark burst on the left of midfield to feed Carolyn Scott high in the Parkview circle. Carolyn’s first time layoff put the ball directly into the path of Kerry and her snap shot was parried by the keeper only as far as Carolyn who buried the return past the Parkview No 1 to give the Dee a 2-1 lead.

With confidence visibly growing, Donaghadee were really starting to find their groove – epitomised none more so than the defenders; Amy Long, Paige Reilly and Emilia Morrow pinging the ball round the back with ease as they tried to switch the play from side to side, creating space for Dee midfielders Lisa Higgins and Natalie Jamieson to run into.

Donaghadee were settling in to the game nicely but it took until the second quarter before the goal-scoring really started. Early in the second part Donaghadee won a penalty corner and it was duly converted by Carolyn. Vicky O’Neill then played a great part in earning a second corner when she managed to find a Parkview foot in the circle; same outcome, same scorer, a 4-1 lead for the Dee and a hat trick for Carolyn.

Donaghadee’s fifth goal (and Carolyn’s fourth) was arguably the pick of the bunch. Almost straight from the whistle that started the third quarter, Tasha Moore picked up the ball on the right and drove with speed and sheer determination down the right sideline.

With a pinpoint cross that cut straight between the keeper and her defenders, Tasha’s ball was met squarely by Carolyn who got in ahead of any of the Parkview players to sweep the ball emphatically home: 5-1 to Donaghadee.

Carolyn then rounded off what was a great team performance with another goal from a penalty corner to make the final score 6-1 to the Dee. Massive thanks as always to Janice McVeigh and Mike Smyth for umpiring duties.

The 1XI head to west on Saturday to play league leaders Cookstown. Pass back at Cookstown High School is at 2.30pm

Junior 9: DLHC 2XI 2-0 NICS 4XI
The 2XI of Donaghadee LHC put in a great shift against a strong Civil Service side and were under pressure for long spells in the match, but a player of the match performance from Dee keeper Janice McVeigh at one end, and the brilliant finishing of twins Molly and Katie McKee at the other ensured all three points were bagged for the Dee.

Thanks to Laura Boyle for umpiring. The Seconds are next up on Saturday when they welcome Ards 4XI to BGS in the Minor Cup.

Posted in 2019/20 Match Reports | Tagged NICS, parkview | Leave a comment

REPORT | 9 Nov 2019: DLHC 1XI 1-1 Enniskillen and Bangor 3XI 2-0 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 11/11/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Carolyn (who scored on Saturday) in drier, warmer, happier times!

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 1-1Enniskillen
On the coldest, wettest, most thoroughly unpleasant afternoon of the season so far, Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI played out a hard-fought draw against County Fermanagh side Enniskillen last Saturday.

Donaghadee started well, probably thanks to the residual heat of the BGS changing rooms still in their bones, but they found the visiting defence in bullish form. Despite Kerry Kennedy sending probing balls forward and Sarah-Louise Baird attacking at will down the left wing, Donaghadee were finding the Enniskillen rearguard repelling most of the efforts to safety. Tasha Moore was also seeing plenty of action on the right wing but was unable to find the telling cross that was to be the one that caused the damage.

Where Donaghadee enjoyed much of the attacking pressure in the first quarter, Enniskillen started to find some joy going forward in the second quarter and they took the lead with a well worked penalty corner down low to Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam’s left hand corner, the ball somehow sneaking just inside the post to give the visitors the lead.

There were definite signs on Saturday that the Dee’s defensive unit are starting to click again, with some lovely balls round the back between Amy Long on the right, Paige Reilly and Emilia Morrow on the left as Donaghadee tried to build a platform upon which midfielders Helen Hooks and Laura Boyle could build, these two in turn playing their part in getting the ball into suitable attacking positions.

The Dee scored their goal shortly before half time when Enniskillen failed to adequately clear from their circle; Carolyn Scott pounced on the loose ball at the top of the circle to fire off a shot that evaded defending sticks, skipping off the wet surface to cross the line to draw Donaghadee level at half-time.

A slight change in formation at half time allowed Sarah Hooks to push further up, and Donaghadee were able to exert more pressure higher up the pitch. Vicky O’Neill, too, was able to get into the game more as she made several great interceptions in the attacking half to keep Enniskillen pinned in, while Lisa Higgins prowled in high midfield on the left, nipping in to the attacking circle on numerous occasions as she looked for her annual goal.

The final quarter saw more urgency from the Dee than had been apparent all match – possibly a vain attempt to regain some semblance of heat in frozen fingers and soaked skin but despite Carolyn and Kerry both hitting the post late on, the Enniskillen defence held firm to ensure honours were even at the final whistle.

1-1 the final score with huge thanks to Janice McVeigh and Mike Smyth for umpiring. The 1XI are at home this Saturday against Parkview, pass back 1pm.

Junior 9B: DLHC 2XI 0-2 Bangor 3XI
On Friday night Donaghadee LHC 2XI took on Bangor 3XI at Bangor Grammar and, despite the frost starting to appear on the pitch from pass back, the Dee girls started strongly.

Up front Molly McKee, Jan Morrow and Katie McKee used their pace and guile to give Bangor pause for thought on numerous occasions throughout the match, and they were supported brilliantly by Kerrie Turtle, Angela Parker and Erin Hamilton in the midfield.

In one attack, the ball was played out to Molly on the left, and she left the opposition in a cloud of dust thanks to her phenomenal speed and skill, keeping the ball stuck to her stick yet somehow managing to put it through Bangor’s defending legs on more than one occasion only to pick it up on the other side.

Donaghadee found themselves in the attacking circle numerous times, only to be stopped at the last minute by Bangor’s keeper, who did well to keep the Dee from crossing her line. Despite Donaghadee putting lots of pressure on the Bangor defence, unfortunately they were unable to score to reflect their play.

The team’s stamina and skill gave Bangor a difficult time, especially returning player Angela Parker who just ran, and ran, and ran. Multiple attacking attempts were made by Bangor, but they struggled to break through the strong Dee defence of Georgia Ferguson, Jemma Thompson, Lauren Bailie, Mia Park and Floss Scott.

Goalkeeper Janice McVeigh made several brilliant saves to get the ball clear but Bangor managed to break through twice with rebounds to make the final score 2-0 to them. Although the result was not in Donaghadee’s favour, this was definitely not reflected in the determination the girls showed from start to finish, and with a little bit more luck in front of goal, the wins will not be far away.

Congratulations to Lauren Bailie who was recognised as player of the match by her team mates for her excellent performance, and thank you to Carolyn Scott for umpiring and to all the Dee spectators who braved the elements to come and support the girls from the side line. The 2XI are next in action at home to NICS 4XI on Saturday, pass back 2.30pm.

DLHC 2XI before their match against Bangor

Line the Pitch with Pounds
It was a fantastic start to our Line the Pitch with Pounds fundraising campaign last week when we had our first interim count (to take place on the last Wednesday of each month between now and the end of the season).

To give some context, it takes approximately two filled Smartie tubes to pay for a full training session on one Wednesday night, so when you think about how many training sessions we have, not to mention Saturday matches, it shows how vital our fundraisers are!

With over £100 raised in October, the bar has certainly been set high for November, so we need as many contributions as possible! To get involved, simply collect any spare £1 coins in a Smartie tube (optional, but you may as well get the enjoyment of the sweeties while you’re at it!) and give to any DLHC player before the last Wednesday of the month.

Totally filled, partly filled, or even just a couple of coins – all contributions will be very gratefully received as we see if we can reach our goal of creating a line of £1s from one side of our pitch to the other by the end of March.

Well underway with this year’s fundraising effort!

Posted in 2019/20 Match Reports | Tagged bangor, enniskillen | Leave a comment

REPORT | DLHC 1XI 0-4 Saintfield 1XI

Posted on 03/11/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Amy, Paige and Sarah: the 1XI’s defence upon whom every goal is built…

Friendly: DLHC 1XI 0-4 Saintfield 1XI
With the prospect of a third consecutive Saturday with no match following a free weekend, a bye in the cup and then the postponement of the away league fixture with PSNI, Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI were pleased to welcome Senior 2 side Saintfield to Bangor Grammar for a friendly on Saturday.

With several players playing out of position and a couple unavailable, the new(ish) look lineup took to the pitch knowing they would need to perform well to be in with a chance of taking anything from the game, and it’s lovely to be able to write a report which is dedicated to the usually unsung heroes of the Dee defence.

Right from the first whistle the Donaghadee defenders grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck in showing their forwards how it should be done.

Sarah Hooks was the first to demonstrate the power of a fabulous deflection when she completely rerouted a wayward Saintfield shot brilliantly past Dee keeper Janice McVeigh to give the visitors the lead.

Right back Amy Long, in her first game of the season following recovery from injury, looked to have forgotten which sport she was playing when she got her head in the way of a sweeping shot as she tried to flick on a magnificent glancing header past her goalkeeper.

No lasting damage done thankfully and a timely reminder that ducking out of the way of a flying hockey ball is probably not a bad idea in the grand scheme of things.

Having hitherto performed as one might expect of a defender by making a number of pretty decent clearances, left back Paige Reilly was clearly feeling a bit left out so got in on the act with a superb nippy little deflection of her own to make it 3-0 to the visitors.

Saintfield then scored – entirely unaided by Donaghadee this time – from a well taken penalty corner. Having had her goal completely under attack by the whole of the opposition and half of her own team all match, keeper Janice returns to the Seconds for a well deserved rest, bless her.

It would seem churlish to write a whole report without mentioning the Donaghadee attack, so we will finish by saying the forward line did a brilliant job of showing their defenders a thing or two: keeping the ball out of the circle, ensuring the keeper had little to deal with and making sure all clearances got well away to safety!*

Thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and many thanks to Saintfield for the game at short notice to get the rust out of the system.

The 1XI are back to Senior 3 league action on Saturday at home to Enniskillen when, having tried out each other’s roles, the team will aim to go back to the more traditional style of playing. Pass back at BGS is at 1pm.

DLHC 2XI Update
Having played Bangor 4XI in a friendly on Monday evening, the 2XI of Donaghadee LHC take on Bangor 3XI on Friday night in Junior 9.

*While it may seem from this report like the entire defence didn’t know their glutes from their funny bones in this match, we do of course point out that they were brilliant (as always), we love them dearly, and we wouldn’t be without them (as we’re sure Saintfield would agree…)

Posted in 2019/20 Match Reports | Tagged saintfield | Leave a comment

UPDATE | 28 October 2019: DLHC Autumn Round Up

Posted on 28/10/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Neither the Firsts or Seconds of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club had a match last weekend, but midway through the first half of the Ulster Hockey season, it’s a great time to take stock of what’s been happening at the club over the last six weeks or so.

In case you missed it…
It’s been win two, lose two for the 1XI in their first four matches, including a rip-roaring 5-4 narrow loss to Kilkeel and a heartening 4-1 victory at home to Derg Valley as the team looks to find some sort of rhythm with a number of new players settling in to the team since the start of the season.

With a free week followed by a bye in the first round of the Intermediate Cup over the last two Saturdays, captain Helen Hooks will be hoping that the enforced break won’t make too much of a difference by the time her team get back on to the pitch.

The Seconds have been involved in several entertaining matches so far, with the highlight being their 2-0 victory at home to NICS 4XI, and there are definite signs that Natalie Jamieson’s team are starting to gel; again several new faces making their Dee debuts earlier this season all settling in well to the team.

Junior Hockey
Over the last six weeks a number of DLHC club members have been involved with running a Junior Hockey programme for girls of 11-13. All the girls who participated did brilliantly, with their skills coming on in leaps and bounds over the course of the programme. It was fantastic to see the talent on show and we hope that all will be future Donaghadee stars!

Next Home Matches
Looking forward, the 1XI are next at home in the league against Enniskillen on 9th November while the 2XI’s next outing at BGS will be on 16th November against NICS 4XI, both pass back times to be confirmed.

Line the Pitch with Pounds
Collecting £1 coins continues as the club strives to cover the halfway line from one side to the other in the latest innovative fundraising idea to help boost the club coffers, with the first count up taking place this Wednesday evening at training.

Collecting will continue each month until the end of the season when we see if we’ve managed to line the pitch with pounds. To take part, simply pop any spare £1s in a Smartie tube and give to any member of DLHC before the last Wednesday of the month.