7 April 2018: Donaghadee LHC 2XI 1-3 Newcastle

Posted on 09/04/2018 by Donaghadee LHC
Carmen set up Donaghadee's goal against Newcastle

Carmen set up Donaghadee’s goal against Newcastle

Junior League 8A: DLHC 2XI 1-3 Newcastle
The hockey season may be drawing to a close, with Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI having finished Senior 3 in third place, but the 2XI continue to fly the red and green flag proudly, with plenty of action in April.

They welcomed Newcastle to BGS last Saturday in what turned out to be a thrilling, end to end contest with both teams having on show a mixture of experience and youth.

From pass back, both teams were running strong attacking lines, determined to get some points on the board. Donaghadee forwards Ruth Coulter and Vicky O’Neill were doing well to put pressure on the back four while Emily Morris, Carmen van der Schyff and Rachel Kelly were backing up well to feed the ball to the front two.

Newcastle then tried their luck in an attacking move but defenders Nicky Banford, Georgia Ferguson and Natalie Jamieson were quick to keep them out. Keeper Siobhan McAdam was also on hand to keep the opposition from scoring.

It wasn’t long before Natasha Moore and Laura Boyle completed some beautiful passes in midfield before sending the ball up the pitch to Ruth who found Carmen on the edge of the circle.

Carmen’s Initial shot was saved by the visiting keeper but Vicky was perfectly positioned to fire the ball in to the back of the net on her reverse to give Donaghadee the lead. Just before half time Newcastle pulled one back to make the score at half time 1-1

The Dee girls started the second half hoping to improve their goal tally but were unlucky to concede another 2 goals, which didn’t reflect the end-to-end nature of the game.

The final score was 3-1 to Newcastle, but this was a great run out ahead of the 2XI’s exciting Minor Plate Semi Final match away to CI 4XI on Friday evening. Pass back is at 7pm and all support is welcome at CIYMS as the Dee look to progress in that competition.

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24 March 2018: Donaghadee LHC 1XI 1-1 Instonians and South Antrim 0-6 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 26/03/2018 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior League 3: DLHC1XI 1-1 Instonians
Donaghadee Ladies 1XI rounded off their 2017/18 league campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Instonians to secure 3rd place in Senior 3, a spot they have occupied since 11th November when they beat Instonians 4-3 in a Friday night match at Shaw’s Bridge.

That win was one of seven victories and six draws which amassed enough points to ensure that the only way Instonians, in fourth position, could overtake Donaghadee was to win on Saturday.

In the opening stages it was Donaghadee who piled on the pressure, with wave after wave of attack putting the Instonians rearguard under extreme duress. Scorer of two of the goals that night in November, Carolyn Scott, forced a tremendous save from the Instonians’ keeper whose fully outstretched right toe prevented an inch perfect shot from sneaking in off the far post, and young forward Vicky O’Neill was unlucky not to poke a rebound in past the Inst No 1 who stood her ground well.

The Dee midfield played their part too: Ali Stephenson provided numerous dangerous free hits in from round the attacking 25 while Helen Hooks was her usual industrious self on the left, bursting forward at will to lend her support as Donaghadee looked for the breakthrough.

Laura Boyle too covered a mass of ground on the left, switching effortlessly between attack and defence. Catherine Armstrong provided the threat on the right, picking out a Donaghadee stick on one occasion with an excellent cross; the Inst keeper making yet another save from the resulting sweeping shot.

With little to do in the first half, the Dee defence were busier as the second half opened. Paige Reilly, in her last game as Captain, put in a majestic performance at left back with excellent interceptions and distribution to set the midfield off again.

Her defensive mates also put in a tremendous shift: Amy Long reading the ball superbly to make the necessary covering tackles as the ball was swept across the circle and Claire Stewart directing operations at the heart of defence.

Instonians turned the game on its head with a one-off chance that was taken well – a bouncing ball in the circle was taken on the volley and it suddenly looked as though Instonians were in the driving seat for third position. Nobody told Kerry Kennedy though. Step forward Donaghadee’s midfield maestro who specialises in spectacular goals.

Taking a quick free hit herself on the attacking 25, Kerry drove forward unchallenged to the top of the D and, with a typically flamboyant reverse stick strike, she placed the ball just inside the Inst keeper’s left hand post, much to the delight of her team-mates and Dee supporters alike.

Donaghadee had one more chance late on to put the game beyond doubt when Carolyn chased down a seemingly lost-cause ball, but her pull back just evaded Vicky who had made tremendous ground to get in place. Final score 1-1 and third place secured for Donaghadee’s 1XI.

Thanks to Chris from Bangor Men’s for umpiring and to Orchardhill Landscapes for sponsoring the last home match ball of the season.

Big congratulations to Donaghadee LHC’s 1XI keeper Siobhan McAdam who not only put in another big shift on Saturday but has also been selected for the O50 Ulster Masters for the Interpros taking place at Lisnagarvey at the end of April. Super job, Siobhan!

Donaghadee LHC 2XI progress to the semi final of the Minor Plate

Donaghadee LHC 2XI progress to the semi final of the Minor Plate

Minor Plate Quarter Final: South Antrim 3XI 0-6 Donaghadee LHC 2XI
The 2XI travelled to Lisburn to face South Antrim 3rds in the Minor Plate, with a semi-final berth the prize at stake. The sun was shining and the Dee girls were in good spirits following their midweek league win against Saintfield, and it showed in their confident play from the first whistle.

The interplay between the front two of Kerrie Turtle and Tasha Paxton saw early chances for the Dee, but they were confronted by a South Antrim keeper in fine form and despite sustained pressure the score remained goalless for the first ten minutes. It took Sarah Harkness, bursting through into the circle with one of her characteristic runs, to break the deadlock as she beat a couple of defenders and hit a sweet shot past the keeper’s outstretched foot: 1-0 to the Dee.

And like the proverbial buses, having waited so long for the first goal, the second came along shortly after. Seeing the opportunity to take a quick long corner, Lisa Higgins drove the ball to the edge of the circle before squaring it to Sarah who doubled her tally with another clean strike. There were chances aplenty to add to the scoreline before half-time; Natasha Moore and Emily Morris were combining well down the right hand side to provide balls into the circle, and a series of penalty corners came the Dee’s way, but the opposition remained resolute and the score remained 2-0 at the break.

Captain Janice McVeigh, who had been a virtual spectator in the Donaghadee goal for the first half, emphasised the need to avoid complacency and defend as a team the second half – unlike their opposition, she had no subs to call on and players were likely to tire in the heat, so it was important to keep cool heads. All thoughts of defending went out of the window however when Emily scored the Dee’s third goal following a goalmouth scramble within a minute of the restart!

With nothing to lose, South Antrim brought on fresh legs and reshuffled their formation to good effect. Having had very few forays into the Dee’s half up to then, they began to make inroads in the second half but Nikki Robinson and Natalie Jamieson dealt with each threat with their usual composure, clearing the ball upfield and setting the midfield on the attack once more.

Collecting one of these clearances, Tasha broke down the right, her pace taking her past the defence and into the circle where her shot was parried by the keeper. Kerrie picked up the rebound and found Emily in the perfect place to sweep the ball home for her second and the Dee’s fourth.

But she wasn’t finished there! Some great build-up play by Rachel Kelly down the left led to a penalty corner; Kerrie was unlucky not to score as her shot trickled along the goal line but refused to cross it but Emily completed her hat-trick as she got the final touch from the resulting goalmouth scramble.

By this time the Dee defence were wanting to get in on the act, with both Lisa and Natalie intercepting balls in their own half and carrying them nearly the length of the pitch but couldn’t find the final shots to finish with a flourish.

With the game opening up in the final minutes, South Antrim were having some success of their own, and Janice got her one and only touch of the game as she cleared a shot on goal. She was also grateful to Rachel for snuffing out a final attack with a last-ditch tackle to keep the opposition scoreless.

But the Dee finished as they started, on the attack, with Tasha once again turning provider for Kerrie to finally get a goal as reward for all her hard work. Final score 6-0 and a semi-final spot awaits for the 2nds. Many thanks to Nicola Patton for umpiring and to Our Gary for his support (and dog-sitting!) The 2XI now progress to the semi final of the Minor Plate against CI mid-April.

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16 March 2018: Parkview 2-2 Donaghadee LHC 2XI and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 5-1 Saintfield

Posted on 22/03/2018 by Donaghadee LHC

Junior League 8A: Donaghadee LHC 2XI 2 – 2 Parkview 2XI
Donaghadee LHC 2XI travelled to Ballyclare on a chilly but dry Friday night. Donaghadee started the match well with most of the possession in the first period.

The midfield which comprised of Angela Parker, Emily Morris, Vicky O’Neill, Tasha Moore and Lisa Higgins worked tirelessly to get the ball through to Sarah Harkness and Kerrie Turtle, who had a few good chances early on.

After a Parkview interception, Natalie Jamieson made a great tackle and fed the ball through to Kerrie who was able to pick out a cross into the Parkview circle. Emily picked up the cross and took a shot, narrowly missing but winning Donaghadee a penalty corner.

Vicky pushed out to Sarah but her shot was skilfully saved by the home team keeper, thankfully Vicky was on hand for the rebound which took the Parkview defence by surprise, earning Donaghadee the first goal of the match. Parkview were quick to come back fighting, scoring an equaliser within minutes.

After a motivational half time team talk by Captain Janice McVeigh, Donaghadee started the second half with grit and determination to get ahead, controlling most of the play for the first 15 minutes.

Much of the first period of play was in the Parkview 25, where Sarah saw an opportunity to slip the ball to Emily who expertly scored the third goal of the match, putting Donaghadee ahead once again. The home team for a second time came back fighting, quickly winning a penalty corner which resulted in an equaliser.

Janice, the Donaghadee goalkeeper, made a fantastic save late in the second half, this was followed by a few more opportunities for Parkview but the strong Donaghadee defence made up of Rachel Kelly, Nicky Banford, Georgia Fergusonand Natalie ensured Parkview didn’t get ahead. Final score 2-2.

Thank you to Parkview for their warm welcome and for providing two umpires.

Junior League 8A: Donaghadee LHC 2XI 5-1 Saintfield
The matches are coming thick and fast for the 2XI as Ulster Hockey try to get all the fixtures completed by the end of the season, and the girls welcomed Saintfield to Bangor Grammar School last night (Wednesday).

The 2XI have definitely been building some momentum with their heartening draw against Parkview and they played a blinder against Saintfield with a resounding 5-1 victory.

Tasha Paxton opened the scoring within minutes of the first whistle following  a great slip from Kerrie Turtle. Kerrie then turned scorer to double Donaghadee’s lead. Just to keep things interesting, Saintfield pulled one back with a slick shot just before half time to make it 2-1 going into the break.

Fortunately half time came before Siobhan’s coffee flask took one for the team thanks to a stray wayward ball. Much loved and oft-used, the flask has been to many a match and warmed many a hand and will be much missed by all – any replacement will have much to live up to! RIP The Flask.

Back to the on-pitch action and Tasha doubled her haul with a cracking shot angled high into the roof of the net to give Donaghadee a 3-1 lead. The Dee had a great chance to add to their lead following the awarding of a penalty flick when Sarah Harkness’s stick was hooked in the circle.

Kerrie put the resulting shot just wide but atoned moments later when she provided the slip across goal for Tasha to pop the ball home for her hat-trick and the Dee’s fourth goal of the evening.

Saintfield fought back with a period of pressure which resulted in a chance on goal, but Captain Janice McVeigh made a great save to prevent the visitors from scoring again.

Back on the attack, Sarah found herself one on one with the Saintfield keeper and the forward made no mistake with three minutes to go to round off a superb evening of hockey for Donaghadee. Final score 5-1. Thanks to William McAdam for umpiring.

Both teams are in action this weekend, with the 1XI playing their last match of the season at home to Instonians, pass back 1pm at Bangor Grammar, while the 2XI travel to Lisburn to take on South Antrim, pass back there 2.30pm.

RIP The Flask

RIP The Flask

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10 March 2018: Ballynahinch 1-3 Donaghadee LHC 1XI and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 1-2 Limavady

Posted on 13/03/2018 by Donaghadee LHC
Kerrie was on fire at the weekend, with all 4 of Donaghadee's goals

Kerrie Turtle was on fire at the weekend, with all 4 of Donaghadee’s goals

Senior 3: Ballynahinch 1XI 1 – 3 Donaghadee Ladies 1XI
Donaghadee LHC 1XI travelled to Ballynahinch on a very wet but mild Saturday. The squad welcomed several members up from the 2XI to bolster a determined team. A rallying motivational team talk from Captain Paige Reilly along with a great warm up had everyone ready to go from the whistle.

This totally reaped rewards within minutes as Tasha Paxton drove the ball up the wing to Vicky O’Neill who passed just wide of the left post in the circle finding Kerrie Turtle who got a sweet reverse stick on the ball to tip it in to give the Dee the lead.

Donaghadee controlled most of the run of play in the first half with Catherine Armstrong, Laura Boyle and Helen Hooks making great runs feeding and passing the ball.

Natalie Jamison’s reading of the game was on the ball literally as she intercepted so many of the Ballynahinch passes and some mighty fine tackling sending the ball nicely back up the pitch.

On the several occasions Hinch did find themselves in the Dee 25 they were only to be duly met by Paige Reilly, Amy Long and Natasha Moore who defended all attempts to break through prior to half time.

Natalie’s, Amy’s and Paige’s marking along with the squad’s determined defence forced Hinch to place a few balls just wide of goals. Paige and Amy’s hit outs sent the ball timely and well positioned for midfield and it was nicely up the pitch on numerous occasions.

Following the short break at half time Donaghadee returned to the pitch very aware they were only 1-0 up and with no subs they needed to “play their game” and keep things tight.

On one of Catherine’s many runs up the pitch she crossed a lovely ball to Vicky in the circle who sent it beautifully across the goals, bouncing over two defenders sticks to find Kerrie T who gracefully picked it up from the base line to slip it round the back of the keeper. 2-0 to Donaghadee.

Following a hard 10 minutes of fine hockey Natasha, Tasha and Helen showed great determination and skill controlling the game as both sides fought hard for the next goal. Donaghadee were awarded a penalty corner and with a nice injected ball from Paige it came right of post to be tipped in by yes, you guessed it, Kerrie Turtle for a fabulous hat trick very well deserved and supported by great assists from her teammates.

The home side made a determined break and got a strong shot in with about ten minutes to go but Dee Keeper Siobhan McAdam managed to kick the bouncing ball clear with an outstretched left leg. Ballynahinch seemed to gain a burst of energy from this to put some pressure on the tight Dee defence.

Having been awarded two penalty corners which Donaghadee defended and cleared, Hinch received one more last minute PC. With a well executed slip they scored making the final score 3-1 to the Donaghadee Ladies. This was a great club Saturday for the Dee, welcoming the 3 points with so many players stepping up and making a difference on the day.

Thank you to Ballynahinch for their warm welcome and providing an umpire for the Dee. The 1XI play their penultimate game of the season away to PSNI tomorrow night (Wednesday), pass back 7.30pm at Civil Service.

Junior League 8A: Donaghadee LHC 2XI 1-2 Limavady
Last Friday night Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 2XI hosted Limavady 2XI. The team were hoping to get back to their winning ways however, the travelling side made good use of their counter attack, capitalising on two occasions.

Donaghadee started strongly, attacking well through Vicky O’Neill in the centre through to Sarah Harkness and Kerrie Turtle in the forward firing line. The Limavady keeper was certainly kept on her toes the whole game.

Defenders Deborah Gilmour, Lisa Alexander and Rachel Kelly were on high alert for the fast attacking opposition, with Katie Donnelly and Natalie Jamieson as an outlet when the Dee regained possession. Unfortunately the Limavady attack were too quick after a Dee mistake, intercepted the loose ball and a well drilled succession of passes ended with goal number one.

Midfielders Katie and Angela Parker were working hard in the middle of the pitch to break up the play and ease the pressure on the Dee defence. In a quick Dee attack, Kerrie was able to collect the ball and work her way up to the Limavady circle, where she was able to pick out a cross to Sarah who won a penalty corner.

This resulted in numerous penalty corners as Donaghadee only managed to keep hitting the feet of the defence and not the backboard. Limavady then continued to pile on the pressure, and again were able to break down the Dee defence to secure their second goal before the half-time whistle.

Donaghadee started well in the second half. Retaining more possession and finding more space on the pitch, the team were able to move the ball well into the visitors’ half, again finding defenders’ feet to win another influx of penalty corners.

A well worked period of play from the Dee defence saw Natalie play a ball through to Sarah to found Kerrie ready to pounce and score the only red and green goal of the game.

The goal led to an increased period of pressure from Limavady attackers and the 2XI struggled to break out of their own half. With the Dee unable to stifle the forwards, Janice McVeighhad some extra work to do and pulled off a number of excellent saves to keep the Dee only one behind at full time. Final score 2-1 to Limavady.

Thanks to Nicola Patton and William McAdam for umpiring. The 2XI continue with their league programme when they travel to Parkview on Friday night, pass back 8pm.

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24 Feb 2018: Kilkeel 1-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 1-7 Newry

Posted on 26/02/2018 by Donaghadee LHC
All smiles for the tall, curly lady who got the 1XI's equaliser against Kilkeel

All smiles for the tall, curly lady who got the 1XI’s equaliser against Kilkeel

Senior 3: Donaghadee LHC 1XI 1-1 Kilkeel
It was third travelling to second on Saturday when Donaghadee Ladies 1XI headed off to play Kilkeel with not many matches left in Senior 3 this season, but with all to play for in the top three.

Captain Paige Reilly was missing no fewer than 6 first team regulars but in testament to the growing numbers within the club it was fantastic to see youngsters Natalie Jamieson and Vicky O’Neill making the trip, along with Laura Boyle back in a Dee shirt after a spell away. New recruit Tasha Moore also stepped in to add her expertise.

It was real backs to the wall stuff for Donaghadee in the opening period; Kilkeel’s play and pressure off the ball meant there were few exit routes for the Dee and it looked as though Kilkeel just needed one break for the floodgates to open.

Wayward shots from the home side and grim determination from Donaghadee kept the score to 0-0 until half time.

It took a deflected shot from a penalty corner for Kilkeel to pull ahead but from that point on, there was a collective rolling up of the sleeves from Donaghadee and a clear ‘thou shall not pass’ attitude which was typified by Dee defenders Amy Long, Paige and Claire Stewart.

These three were immense in the heart of defence, with pass after pass being picked off and cleared from danger. Lisa Higgins and Helen Hooks too both seemed to be everywhere, breaking up wave upon wave of attack.

Donaghadee’s chances were few and far between, although Sarah-Louise Baird, Laura and Natalie worked tirelessly in midfield to provide the link between back and front, with Vicky O’Neill doing her best to make the home keeper work.

Donaghadee’s golden opportunity came late in the second half when Tasha supplied Leanna Young down the right. The forward set off on a typically robust run, taking on defenders to get a shot away. The Kilkeel keeper was only able to parry the ball to an unmarked Carolyn Scott on the back post and she pounced gleefully to pop the ball home to bring Donaghadee level.

There were nervous moments as the final whistle blew just after Kilkeel were awarded a penalty corner. In the face of all 10 outfield players surrounding the Dee circle, the pressure was on to get the ball clear of the 25.

Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam made the initial save with Amy picking up the scraps and sending the ball flying off the sideline to ensure the points were shared in a match where Donaghadee, of the two sides, will definitely be the happier with the result.

Thanks to Kilkeel for supplying two umpires for this game, big shout out to Sarah-Louise who played on despite breaking her thumb in two places and good luck to Siobhan McAdam, taking part once again in the Ulster Masters trials.

The 1XI have their final home game of the season on Saturday when they welcome Instonians to BGS, pass back 2.30pm.

DLHC 2XI came up against a very strong Newry side, losing 7-1 – Katie Donnelly with the Dee’s goal in that game. They play South Antrim 3XI away on Saturday, pass back 4pm at Friends’ School, Lisburn.

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10 Feb 2018: Donaghadee LHC 1XI 0-2 South Antrim and NICS 4XI 0-1 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 12/02/2018 by Donaghadee LHC
Claire and Amy strong at the back for the 1XI

Claire and Amy at the back for the 1XI

Senior 3: Donaghadee LHC 1XI 0-2 South Antrim
Donaghadee LHC 1XI played South Antrim back at the end of October in a 3-3 thriller which saw Donaghadee come back from 3-1 down in what was the beginning of an excellent run of 8 games with only one loss – away to league leaders Annadale in the first game back after Christmas.

Donaghadee were missing key midfielders Helen Hooks and Sarah Louise Baird (who’d taken her new kit to see Riverdance) which saw the versatile Leanna Young dropping from up front into midfield and youngsters Vicky O’Neill and Natalie Jamieson – fresh from their 1-0 victory for the Seconds the previous evening – were called up to bolster the numbers.

Donaghadee were dreadfully unlucky not to register on the scoreboard when Kerry Kennedy, with support at her right shoulder from Carolyn Scott, took on and beat three defenders in the attacking circle to put the ball in the back of the net.

Despite the majority of players on the pitch, supporters on the sideline and the Donaghadee umpire seeing otherwise, the visiting umpire adjudged the ball to have been struck outside the circle and the goal was disallowed.

There was plenty of endeavour from Donaghadee, with Emily Morris making several probing runs down the Dee’s right, but there was no further rattling of the backboard before the half time whistle.

A reshuffle at half time saw Donaghadee with a more attacking formation: Leanna moved up front and Ali Stevenson pushed higher up in midfield. With the back three of Amy Long, Claire Stewart and Paige Reilly showing up well in defence, it took a deflected penalty corner for South Antrim to go ahead 1-0.

Siobhan McAdam was probably the busier of the two keepers as the second half wore on – she made a number of excellent saves to keep the score to 1-0. With the game stretched, South Antrim doubled their lead.

There was to be no comeback from Donaghadee this time but, with Kilkeel – above Donaghadee in the table – drawing with PSNI and Bangor below losing to Instonians, the Dee remain in third place in the table with only a handful of games remaining. There is a free week for the team before they are back in action away to aforementioned Kilkeel on 24th February.

Junior League 8A: NICS 4XI 0-1 Donaghadee LHC 2XI
Last Friday night Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 2XI played NICS 4XI. The team were hoping to continue in their rich vein of form, following back-to-back wins since the festive break. Unfortunately a number of players were unavailable for the match, but captain Janice McVeigh was able to make use of the good numbers in the 2XI squad to field a team on a bitterly cold Friday night at Stormont.

NICS started strongly, making life difficult for the Dee midfield and defence. Defenders Lisa Alexander, Rachel Kelly and Rebecca Bolton were having to withstand sustained attacks, with Natalie Jamieson finding little space to pick out passes which could help the Dee break out of their own half.

Midfielders Katie Donnelly, Tasha Moore and Vicky O’Neill were working hard in the middle of the pitch to break up the play and ease the pressure on the Dee defence. In a quick counter attack, Kerrie Turtle was able to collect the ball and work her way up to the NICS circle, where she was able to pick out a pinpoint cross to Tasha who was unlucky to see her shot slip past the post. NICS continued to pile on the pressure, with the Dee’s only other effort in the first half a penalty corner, which Sarah Harkness was unable to make the most of.

Donaghadee started well in the second half. Retaining more possession and finding more space on the pitch, the team were able to break forward more into the NICS half. However with the game opening up more, NICS too were able to break. Janice, already having made a few quality saves in the first half, found herself increasingly busy to keep the score at nil nil.

Mid way through the second half, the 2XI were quick to counter attack up the pitch. Good interlinking play from Natalie and Katie found Vicky at the NICS 25 yard line. Vicky was able to push the ball into the path of Sarah, who drove into the circle and took a well-struck shot which found it’s way past the keeper, making it 1-0 to the Dee.

The goal led to an influx of NICS pressure and the 2XI struggled to break out of their own half. With the Dee unable to stifle the NICS forwards, Janice had to pull off a number of excellent saves to keep the Dee in front, including one diving save to her left to push the ball round the post. She was also able to win several one-on-ones with oncoming attackers and make several key clearances.

Donaghadee were able to hold on to their 1-0 lead until the final whistle, and make it 3 wins from 3 in 2018. Thanks to Nicola Patton for umpiring and to the spectators who braved the cold. The 2XI look forward to another match at Stormont next week, taking on NICS 5XI in the second round of the Minor Plate, pass back 2.30pm.

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3 Feb 2018: Donaghadee LHC 2XI 8-1 CI 5XI

Posted on 05/02/2018 by Donaghadee LHC
Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club's 2XI scorers against CI 5XI: Sarah Harkness (5), Kerrie Turtle, Sarah-Louise Baird and Emily Morris

Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 2XI scorers against CI 5XI: Sarah Harkness (5), Kerrie Turtle, Sarah-Louise Baird and Emily Morris

Junior League 8A: DLHC 2XI 8-1 CI 5XI
With the 1XI having a free weekend, the 2XI took centre stage at Bangor Grammar last Saturday as they welcomed CI 5XI, with the home team hoping to build on a spectacular 6-2 away win last week.

The reverse of this fixture had seen a tight, hard-fought 2-1 win for the Dee earlier in the season, and the opening exchanges seemed to indicate a similar game this time out with both teams enjoying spells of possession. However the CI resistance was broken on 10 minutes when Sarah-Louise Baird scored with a sweet strike from the top of the circle at a penalty corner, and the goal opened the floodgates for Donaghadee.

Within a few minutes of the restart, a smooth move down the Dee right saw Dee right saw Emily Morris and Tasha combine to release last week’s hat-trick hero Sarah Harkness, who continued with her rich vein of form by burying her first time shot and doubling the score.

Playing in an unfamiliar defensive role and carrying a slight injury from the morning’s school match, Vicky O’Neill showed her versatility by slotting in at left back, and it was her well taken free hit that found Carmen Van Der Schyff who carried the ball down the left and crossed into the circle for Sarah to collect her second, and the Dee’s third, of the day.

And it wasn’t long before she was celebrating her second hat-trick in a row when she was in the perfect position to deflect a shot high into the net from another strike by Sarah-Louise from a Dee penalty corner. By this time, Donaghadee were enjoying themselves and it was showing in their confident, free-flowing attacking play.

When a rare CI foray into the Dee half was confidently broken up by Natalie Jamieson in the centre of defence, she quickly set her forwards away, and within three passes the ball was in the back of the net again – this time Sarah turning provider for Kerrie Turtle who controlled a pin-point cross and coolly slotted her shot home.

Having been a virtual spectator for the game until now, Captain Janice McVeigh was called into action in the Donaghadee goal in the final minutes of the first half. Buoyed by their dominance in possession, the Dee defence were pushing high up the pitch and CI managed to slip a ball through to their swift centre forward who carried into the circle unmarked.

Luckily Janice was alert to the danger and came rushing out to meet her, putting in a great save as the half-time whistle went to keep the opposition goalless: 5-0 to Donaghadee at the interval.

As the teams turned around, the break seemed to benefit CI more than the home team, who seemed to be frozen by the chill wind and started the second half very lethargically. Within the first few minutes, and with the defence beaten, the CI forwards carried the ball into the circle and a first time shot evaded Janice’s outstretched leg and nestled in the right hand corner. Was the comeback on?

It certainly proved to be a more evenly contested second half, with the teams sharing possession far more, but the Dee used theirs with greater success to maintain their superiority. With Deborah Gilmore showing her usual composure in defence, she won a free hit and set the midfield away once again.

This time it was Emily who was on the end of a slick move, her determination to get on the score sheet evident as she managed to score whilst lying prone after a lung-busting sprint up the pitch and a full-length lunge at goal.

The Dee still weren’t finished though. As the midfield began to reassert the dominance they’d had in the first half, Sarah-Louise exchanged passes with Lisa Higgins before picking out Sarah wide on the right. From a seemingly impossible angle, she fired a rocket of a shot beyond the beleaguered CI keeper for her fourth of the match and a magnificent seven for the Dee.

The home team had further chances to add to the score from a series of penalty corners, with shots going agonisingly wide until the ball was switched left to Kerrie bearing in on goal – her shot was parried by the keeper but fell to Sarah who was never going to miss from a few feet out.

To be fair to CI, they never let themselves be disheartened by the score and they continued to compete, with the second half finishing in similar fashion to the first as Janice had to race from her goal to clear a through ball away from danger. The final score read to 8-1 to the Dee, with a high five for Sarah H.

Thanks to Nicola Patton for umpiring, and to “my Gary” for his support. Next week the 1XI take on South Antrim at home on Saturday, pass back 1pm, while the 2XI will be looking to continue their rich vein of form away to NICS 4XI on Friday night.

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27 Jan 2018: Donaghadee LHC 1XI 0-0 Pegasus and NICS 2-6 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 29/01/2018 by Donaghadee LHC
Goalscorers for the 2XI: Emily Morris, Sarah Harkness (3), Sarah-Louise Baird and Vicky O'Neill

Goalscorers for the 2XI: Emily Morris, Sarah Harkness (3), Sarah-Louise Baird and Vicky O’Neill

Intermediate Plate Round 1: DLHC 1XI 0-0 Pegasus 3XI (lost 3-0 on shuttles)
The draw for the next round of the Intermediate Plate does not lie, and it will be Pegasus 3XI who progress, but it took three well placed shuttle runs to see them through after a resounding defensive performance from Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI on Saturday.

Facing a Pegasus side packed with ex Ulster and Irish players, Donaghadee lined up missing forwards Leanna Young, Emma McGimpsey and Catherine Armstrong, but they did have Kerrie Turtle stepping in to add her experience up front for the Dee.

Much of the first half saw Pegasus piling the pressure on the Donaghadee defence, with Donaghadee keeper Siobhan McAdam making several stunning saves to keep the visitors at bay. Claire Stewart and Paige Reilly were also resolute in the heart of defence with superbly timed challenges and well read interceptions.

At the other end, Carolyn Scott forced a great save from the Pegasus keeper when her shot from wide left looked like it was going in off the far post only for a fully extended leg to tip it just wide.

The chances were scant though and Donaghadee took the opportunity to regroup at half time. The jelly beans did the trick and the Dee enjoyed a purple patch early in the second half; Kerry Kennedy with a great chance after superb work from Helen Hooks on the left allowed Carolyn to lay the ball off to an unmarked Kerry at the top of the circle – the resulting shot going just wide of the left post.

With Pegasus taking their turn to attack, Amy Long read play brilliantly to make several superb interceptions, with Lisa Higgins and Ali Stevenson both digging in to protect the back three.

With minutes remaining Sarah-Louise Baird burst forward, carrying the ball magnificently in her two week old kit, and Emily Morris had a great last chance in the attacking circle but the final whistle went with the score level at 0-0.

With no extra time, it was straight to shuttles and Pegasus came into their own; the forwards doing their bit and their keeper ensuring the clean sheet was kept to make sure they progressed to the next stage. Thanks to Mike Smith for umpiring and to City Electrical Factors, Bangor for sponsoring the match ball. Best of luck to Pegasus 3XI in the next round of the Plate.

The 1XI now have a week off before playing South Antrim on Saturday 10th February.

Junior League 8: NICS 5XI 2-6 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee Seconds were back in action for the first time since before Christmas on Saturday when they took on NICS 5s away at Stormont.

From passback, both teams were running out strong, and both determined to get some points on the board. Sarah-Louise Baird (now starting to get the cost-per-wear of the new kit down a bit) and Sarah Harkness made some beautiful interlinking passes up the middle of the pitch, putting pressure on the NICS back line, which resulted in Sarah getting a shot past the home keeper and into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Donaghadee.

NICS then tried their luck in an attack of their own but defenders Nicola Patton and Lisa Alexander were quick to keep them out.

At half time, after a slight reshuffle and a team talk, Donaghadee came flying out of the blocks into the second half. Sarah-Louise was able to break into the circle and take a shot only for the keeper to save it but the rebound fell in front of Vicky O’Neill, who popped the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 to the Dee. Shortly after this goal, Natalie Jamieson and Deborah Gilmore made some brilliant passes to find Emily Morris just on the edge of the circle, and she was quick to make it 3.

Sarah added another to the score board when she picked up a cross field ball, sending it into the corner of the net to give Donaghadee a comfortable cushion. As NICS tried again to attack, Georgia Ferguson did incredibly well when dealing with the pressure, winning a couple of frees as she pushed further up the pitch.

NICS then scored two consecutive goals but that wasn’t going to stop the Dee girls, who were determined not to give up. After some strong passes down the left hand side between Carmen Van Der Schyff and Natalie, Sarah-Louise was able to add goal number 5 for the red and green.

Sarah then finished off a great game of hockey between the two sides, scoring goal number 6 and bagging herself a hat-trick. Final score 6-2 to Donaghadee. Thanks to Carolyn Scott for umpiring and the supporters who came to cheer on the girls in what was a brilliant game of hockey. The 2XI are next in action at home to CI 5XI, pass back 1pm at BGS.

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20 January 2018: Donaghadee LHC 1XI 5-0 Parkview

Posted on 22/01/2018 by Donaghadee LHC
DLHC 1XI's goalscorers against Parkview: Leanna, Kerry and Emma

DLHC 1XI’s goalscorers against Parkview: Leanna, Kerry (2) and Emma (2)

Senior League 3: Donaghadee LHC 5-0 Parkview
With the weather playing havoc with Ulster Hockey fixtures over the weekend, Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI match against Parkview was one of the few to go ahead.

Indeed the Bangor Grammar pitch was untouched by snow or frost and although the bright sun didn’t reflect the air temperature, it was nonetheless a decent day for hockey.

With initial pass back won, Donaghadee took no time at all to put the visitors under sustained periods of intense pressure – much of the play taking place in the Dee’s attacking half.

Parkview have had a difficult season so far but their defence remained robust in the initial stages – Donaghadee unable to capitalise on an early penalty corner, and sweeping clearances from the rearguard keeping the score goalless.

Midway through the first half, Donaghadee had a penalty corner of their own to defend, but within 4 passes the ball was in the Parkview net. A swift clearance from Paige Reilly at the top of the Dee defensive circle found Claire Stewart on the halfway line.

Her deft flick inside was picked up by Helen Hooks and the tireless midfielder found Kerry Kennedy unmarked in the Parkview circle. One touch later and the ball was being picked out of the back of the net by the exposed keeper; a superb counterattacking move to get the red and green on the score sheet.

Emma McGimpsey, always threatening with well-timed, sniping runs, quickly made it 2-0 to Donaghadee when she rounded the keeper and dinked over the line after a pinpoint through ball from Ali Stevenson. A third was duly added by Kerry and Donaghadee were looking good for the victory.

Parkview were certainly showing plenty of spirit though and Amy Long read play well when she left her berth on the right to cut out a ball coming down the left – thus ensuring that Dee keeper Nicola Patton remained untroubled and totally frozen!

At the other end, Donaghadee took full advantage of a well worked penalty corner, with Leanna Young getting the deflected tip in for number 4 of the day.

And it was high five for the Dee when Sarah-Louise Baird (up early that morning to get full wear of her new kit) linked with Donaghadee’s “tall, curly lady”, Carolyn Scott (thanks, Parkview keeper!) to set up Emily Morris at the edge of the attacking circle. Emma was on hand to finish the move with her second, and Donaghadee’s fifth of the day to see Donaghadee move into second in Senior 3.

Thanks to Hannah Simpson for umpiring duties and to Sandycove Holiday Homes Ltd for sponsoring the match ball. In a break from league action, Donaghadee will welcome Pegasus 3XI to BGS in the first round of the Intermediate Plate on Saturday, pass back 1pm,while the Seconds travel to NICS, pass back 4pm.

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6 Jan 2018: Annadale 3-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI

Posted on 08/01/2018 by Donaghadee LHC
New kit, new (too short), stick grip and a goal. Sarah Louise winning at life!

New kit, new (too short) stick grip and a goal. Sarah-Louise winning at life

Senior League 3: Annadale 3-1 DLHC 1XI 
It was first meets third last Saturday when Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI travelled to Lagan College to play league leaders Annadale in the first match of 2018.

Donaghadee were without keeper Siobhan McAdam and dynamic midfielder Helen Hooks but, with DLHC 2XI’s game off due to opponents Ards conceding, the Dee were able to call up Seconds’ keeper Janice McVeigh and Natalie Jamieson into midfield.

It was a bitterly cold, clear day and Donaghadee were playing into the low sun in the first half. Despite an early chance from Carolyn Scott at a penalty corner, Donaghadee found themselves struggling to get into any rhythm to penetrate a well organised Dale defence.

Indeed Annadale were quick to exploit several gaps, winning and scoring two penalty corners before the Dee had properly put any decent phases of play together.

Gradually though, Donaghadee managed to get themselves a foothold in the match, with Claire Stewart directing matters from the heart of defence, ably backed up by Paige Reilly and Amy Long.

With one hefty route one ball from the back deflecting off an Annadale stick for a Donaghadee long corner, the ball was quickly retrieved before the home defence had time to reset.

The long was quickly taken by Kerry Kennedy and, after a neat interchange involving Lisa Higgins, Leanna Young’s shot was blocked by the Annadale keeper. Sarah-Louise Baird, resplendent in her sparkly new kit, was on hand to score from the rebound at an impossibly tight angle to make it 2-1.

Donaghadee lifted themselves visibly after the goal and they enjoyed a period of good attacking pressure. Catherine Armstrong probed down the right with Emma McGimpsey flinging herself at a cross as Donaghadee searched for the equaliser.

Ali Stevenson pushed up in midfield and Natalie went on a couple of mazy runs but the Annadale keeper was well protected by her outfield players.

With Donaghadee applying the pressure going forward, Annadale were able to find a late gap to set their attackers free and they duly finished with a shot that flew low to Janice’s right to leave the score 3-1 and Annadale worthy of their top spot. Thanks to Deborah Gilmore for umpiring duties. 

With second placed Kilkeel beating fourth in the league South Antrim, Donaghadee remain safely in third in Senior 3 and they will look to add to the points tally at home to Cooke next Saturday, pass back 1.30pm.

Junior League 8A
Donaghadee Ladies 2XI’s opponents, Ards 5XI conceded on Saturday, so the Dee’s Seconds will be looking forward to kicking off 2018 with a home match against Newcastle, pass back 3pm.

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