2016/17 Final Results

Posted on 10/07/2017 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI – finished 8th of 11 in Senior 3

Date

3/9/16
5/9/16
12/9/16
17/9/16
24/9/16
1/10/16
8/10/16
15/10/16
22/10/15
29/10/16
5/11/16
12/11/16
19/11/16
26/11/16
3/12/16
10/12/16
17/12/16
7/1/17
14/1/17
21/1/17
28/1/17
4/2/17
11/2/17
18/2/17
25/2/17
4/3/17
11/3/17
18/3/17
25/3/17

H/A

H
H
A
H
A
A
–
A
H
H
A
–
H
A
A
H
–
A
H
H
A
A
H
A
–
H
A
A
H

Score

L 5-0
D 1-1
L 3-1
W 2-1
W 1-0
L 4-0
–
L 3-0
L 3-0
W 4-1
L 3-0
BYE
D 1-1
L 4-2
W 4-1
W 6-0
–
D 1-1
D 1-1
D 2-2
W 4-0
D 1-1
L 1-0
L 4-2
–
D 1-1
L 3-1
D 1-1
L 2-0

Scorers

(Friendly) –
(Friendly) Ruth
(Friendly) Carolyn
Carolyn, Kerrie
Kerry K
–
–
–
–
Carolyn (3), Emily
–
–
Kerrie
Kerry K (2)
Kerry K (2), Paige, Caitland
Carolyn (2), Kerrie (3), Caitland
–
Caitland
Kerry K
Helen, Carolyn
Caitland (2), Sarah, Kerrie
Emily (Flicks: CSc, KT, CSt, PR)
–
Carolyn (2)
–
Kerrie
Caitland
Carolyn
–

Junior 7: DLHC 2XI – finished 11th of 11 in Junior 7

Date

3/9/16
17/9/16
24/9/16
1/10/16
8/10/16
15/10/16
22/10/15
29/10/16
5/11/16
12/11/16
19/11/16
26/11/16
3/12/16
10/12/16
17/12/16
7/1/17
14/1/17
21/1/17
28/1/17
4/2/17
11/2/17
18/2/17
25/2/17
4/3/17
11/3/17
18/3/17
25/3/17
1/4/16

 

H/A

H
H
A
H
–
A
H
H
H
H
A
A
H
–
H
A
H
A
H
H
A
A
A
–
H
H
A
A

Score

D 1-1
W 1-0
L 2-1
L 3-1
–
L 2-0
L 3-0
L 5-0
L 3-0
L 3-1
L 3-1
L 3-0
L 4-0
–
L 2-1
L 2-1
L 2-0
L 4-1
C-C
L 5-0
L 3-2
L 4-1
W 2-1
–
L 1-0
L 3-0
L 2-0
L 1-0

Scorers

(Friendly) Karen
Caitland
Natalie
Angela
–
–
–
–
–
Caitland
Caitland
–
–
–
Vicky O’N
Caitland
–
Vicky
DLHC conceded
–
Karen, Vicky
Vicky
Vickie, Lynsey
–
–
–
–
–

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DLHC 2016/17 End of Season Do

Posted on 10/05/2017 by Donaghadee LHC
IMG_20170506_221726

Just a few of this season’s 2XI super stars: Vicky O’Neill, Debs Gilmore, Caitland Crockett, Nicola Patton, Georgia Ferguson, Nicky McMillan, Angela Parker and Captain Janice McVeigh

The 2016/17 season was rounded off in the usual Dee style with an excellent turn out of 20 current members enjoying the hospitality at the Bull and Claw.

With nourishment out of the way, attention turned to the most anticipated event of the night – the prize giving. Outgoing 1XI Captain Amy Long opened proceedings with heartfelt praise for the grit and determination shown by the 2XI in what was very much a transitional year in a difficult league for the young side.

The future of the club is in safe hands though, with a number of youngsters making their Dee debuts this season, and their progress was duly marked by the awards given out by 2XI Captain Janice McVeigh.

Newcomer Georgia Ferguson was first up to the podium, where she collected two awards: recognised by her team mates as their Players’ Player of the Year, Georgia also caught the eye of Brian McKee who was delighted to award the teenager his Coach’s Player of the Year. Definitely a defender to watch for the future!

Top Goalscorer for the 2XI was split between Caitland Crockett and another debutant, Vicky O’Neill whose achievement was all the more remarkable given that she only became old enough to play ladies’ hockey earlier this season. More of the same next year, please, Vicky!

Completing the clean sweep by the younguns, Rebecca Bolton was recognised not only for her performances on the pitch but her willingness to learn and improve at training, and she picked up Janice’s Captain’s Player of the Year.

Janice was also keen to acknowledge the part played by two of the Dee’s three keepers – Ulster O45 keeper Siobhan McAdam and Nicola Patton; both played a huge role in making sure both teams had ample cover for every match. We also look forward to seeing Janice back fit on the pitch in her own GK’s role next season.

For the 1XI, there was only one winner when it came to the Players’ Player of the Year. Kerry Kennedy was out in front by a country mile, winning the plaudits of her team mates as an exceptional playmaker in midfield with the odd spectacular goal thrown in for good measure, even if her legs were getting to the stage of not being able to hold her up… A good preseason required there, one might dare to suggest…

Carolyn Scott was delighted to pick up two awards on the night: 1XI Top Goalscorer and Brian’s Player of the Year, and she’s already looking forward to stiff competition in the goalscoring charts next season!

The presentations were rounded off with the handing over of the Captain’s shields for next season, with Paige Reilly stepping up as 1XI Captain and Janice continuing in the 2XI role. Best of luck to both them and to their new vice captains Kerry K and Vickie Pollock.

The club would like to thank Amy and Janice for all their hard work over the season and also to the club sponsors for their continued support: Ards Fireplaces, Red Leaf Kitchens, Regency Cars and Stanley Woods Accountants

Click here to see the photos from the night >>>

 

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18/3/17 Donaghadee LHC 1XI 1-1 Instonians and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 0-3 Owls

Posted on 20/03/2017 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 1-1 Instonians
There may only be a handful of matches left in the 2016/17 season for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI but they met Instonians for the first time this term, with the first fixture earlier in the season postponed due to bad weather.

The conditions on Saturday weren’t much better, with much of the match taking place in a steady downpour. Captain Amy Long was delighted to welcome back into defence Claire Stewart, fresh from a week on the slopes, and she was in her usual imperious form; driving the ball from the Dee circle and making a number of vital clearances during the course of the match.

Indeed with both Paige Reilly and Amy providing wide outlets round the back, Donaghadee were able to build attacks with good solid interplay, something which was lacking in last week’s performance against PSNI – with Ruth Coulter pulling the strings in midfield to get the whole team involved as they pressed forward.

With Ali Lawther providing a clean stop at a penalty corner early in the first half, Carolyn Scott was able to execute an unstoppable strike to give Donaghadee the lead. The match could have been beyond doubt by half time but Kerrie Turtle was dreadfully unlucky to see an effort come back off the right hand upright before Carolyn managed to hit the same post with a penalty stroke that was just too tightly aimed at the corner.

Instonians grew into their attacking role as the second half got underway and both Dee midfielders Helen Hooks and Caitland Crockett were needed to help get the ball cleared from the Dee 25. Emily Morris continued her good form as Donaghadee worked to get the ball back up the pitch but Instonians equalised with a penalty corner of their own following an indiscretion in the Donaghadee circle.

Both teams created numerous chances but Dee keeper Nicola Patton was in resolute form to deny any further goals, with her opposite number also making a couple of decent saves to leave the score 1-1 at the final whistle. Thanks to Brian McKee for umpiring. The Firsts play their penultimate match on Friday night against Parkview (pass back 7.30pm) before the rearranged fixture away to Instonians wraps up the season.

Junior League 7: DLHC 2XI 0-3 Owls
In the first passback of the Dee double header on Saturday, Donaghadee 2XI were at home to promotion chasing Owls Ladies 2XI. This was undoubtedly going to be a tough game but the performances from Donaghadee of late have been confidence-boosting, so the girls in red and green were keen to get started.

Owls had first passback and they were quickly on the attack, with Donaghadee’s defence of Lisa Alexander, Natalie Jamieson and Nicky McMillan under immediate pressure. They managed to clear the ball to safety though, with one super clearance finding its way to Karen Fegan. She had a neat interchange with Vicky O’Neill who did really well to find Carmen van der Schyff in the circle ready to shoot.

The away team cleared the danger though and were were quick to step in front of the Dee players to prevent any further danger. The Owls team got stronger as the match wore on, making several dangerous breaks which Lynsey Sloan did well to break up.

Determined running from young Rebecca Bolton created a good attack for Donaghadee, setting up Vickie Pollock in the circle. The shot narrowly missed the post and Owls were spurred on to press the Dee all over the pitch, working numerous openings to test Dee keeper Nicola Patton.

They made good a number of their chances though and the final score was 3-0 to Owls. Thanks to Caitland Crockett for umpiring.

MIss last week’s report on the 1XI’s match against PSNI or the 2XI’s narrow defeat to CI? Read it all here >>>

 

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11/3/17 PSNI 3-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 0-1 CI

Posted on 13/03/2017 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior League 3: PSNI 3-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI
Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI enjoyed an unexpected extra home fixture on Saturday in their return fixture against PSNI. Originally scheduled for the second pitch at Civil Service, the fixture was reversed at the 11th hour due to the international men’s matches happening at Stormont.

It was a 1-1 draw in the same fixture earlier in the season, with Kerrie Turtle grabbing the all important goal in that match to ensure honours were even, but Donaghadee were without defensive stalwart Claire Stewart, midfield lynchpin Kerry Kennedy and flying winger Emily Morris this week so it was always going to be a tough task for the girls in red.

Indeed the visitors gave themselves a 2-0 advantage in the first half with Donaghadee not really building on their excellent, fluid passing game of the last few weeks. They managed to work their way back into the game when an excellent through ball from Ali Lawther picked out Caitland Crockett, the latter managing to get enough of a touch to deflect the ball past the PSNI keeper to bring the score back to 2-1.

The disjointed play continued in the second half with neither side really imposing any sort of authority on the tie. There were chances at both ends: up front Kerrie Turtle was running plenty of wide channels for the through balls and Carolyn Scott was really unlucky to have a penalty corner deflected just wide of the post by the keeper’s outstretched toe, while the Dee defence of Amy Long and Paige Reilly put in several outstanding tackles to repel the visiting attacks.

There was no lack of endeavour in midfield either, with Lisa Higgins, Helen Hooks and Maura Hennessey combining on the left to try and work an opening, with Lynsey Sloan and Natalie Jamieson swapping on to provide fresh legs. The visitors took advantage of a late goal mouth scramble which left Dee keeper Nicola Patton hurtling impressively, but ultimately vainly, across her line, with the ball eventually being prodded home to leave the final score 3-1. Thanks to Brian McKee for umpiring.

Certainly not Donaghadee’s finest performance of the season but plenty to build on for the home fixture against Instonians on Saturday, pass back 2.30pm.

Junior League 7: Donaghadee LHC 2XI 0-1 CI 4XI
The 2XI weren’t able to replicate their fantastic win of the previous week, going down in a narrow 1-0 defeat to CI 4XI. They are next in action at home against Owls on Saturday, pass back 1pm.

Dates for the Diary
Wednesday 12th April: A Night at the Tudor Cinema Fundraiser
Thursday 20th April: AGM
Wednesday 26th April: Airtastic – bouncing Wednesday night training off in style!
Saturday 6th May: End of Season Do
Wednesdays in May: Pay per Play Hockey

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4/3/17 Donaghadee LHC 1XI 1-1 Annadale

Posted on 07/03/2017 by Donaghadee LHC
DLHC 1XI 2016/17

DLHC 1XI 2016/17 Back row (l-r): Siobhan McAdam, Helen Hooks, Carolyn Scott, Nicola Patton, Amy Long, Claire Stewart, Caitland Crockett, Alison Lawther, Brian McKee Front row (l-r): Paige Reilly, Lisa Higgins, Kerrie Turtle, Emily Morris, Kerry Kennedy

Senior League 3: Donaghadee LHC 1XI 1-1 Annadale
It was a game of two halves on Saturday when Annadale came to Bangor Grammar for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI’s latest Senior 3 fixture.

Annadale are flying high this season – currently sitting second in the table and probably playing some of the best hockey in the league but the two sides have enjoyed a number of very evenly contested games over the last few seasons, so this was a much anticipated fixture.

With both teams playing an open and expansive game and much of the action breathless and uncompromising, Donaghadee played their better hockey in the first half and went in to half time a goal to the good thanks to Kerrie Turtle’s close range effort.

Annadale certainly gave Donaghadee plenty to think about in the second half with their quick decisive play and their equaliser materialised from three one touch passes which were executed almost before the Dee had time to react.

Despite further chances at both ends there were no more goals, and 1-1 was probably the fairest reflection of this closely fought match. Thanks to Brian McKee for umpiring and to Ards Fireplaces for their continued support of the club. The 1XI are next in action on Saturday against PSNI at Stormont, pass back 2.30pm. The 2XI are at home to CI, pass back 1pm.

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25/2/17 North Down 1-2 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 27/02/2017 by Donaghadee LHC

img-20170225-wa0003Junior League 7: North Down 5XI 1-2 Donaghadee LHC 2XI
Despite the results of the previous couple weeks there has definitely been some momentum building for Donaghadee LHC 2XI and a feeling that the girls deserved some points on the board.

Captain Janice McVeigh lead her team in a positive team talk prior to the match and claimed to “have a feeling” about this game – perhaps a feeling she should have more often! The game started with North Down coming out strongly to put Donaghadee immediately under pressure. Having some continuity in the Dee defence however, with Lisa Alexander, Natalie Jamison and Georgia Ferguson all turning out in red and green once again, proved invaluable and they kept North Down at bay.

Up the other end, Donaghadee started making some good attacks of their own, using the width of the pitch with Elle Fegan and Maura Hennessey feeding the ball well down their prospective sides. North Down weren’t to be put off, however, and had some clear chances which keeper Siobhan McAdam saw off nicely.

The battle continued with the action swinging from end to end until North Down were awarded a penalty corner which they took full advantage of to take the lead: 1-0 to the home side.

More positive words from Janice at half time and with further guidance the Dee girls went out determined to carry on fighting and not give up. Vicky O’Neill was so unlucky not to score early in the second half – the ball just agonisingly centimetres from the goal line before North got there just in time to clear it.

Although North Down had some quick forwards well controlled by Karen Fegan and Rebecca Bolton, they were awarded a second penalty corner but Donaghadee were determined not to have a repeat of outcome. Lynsey Sloan was straight out to clear the slip and drive the ball up the field. She did brilliantly to hold possession in the centre, managing to pick out Vickie Pollock in North Down’s circle. Vickie marked her first goal since returning from maternity leave with a smashing finish and a deserved equaliser for the Dee.

There was a definite shift in atmosphere and the Dee girls were not content with a draw; they knew there was another goal to be had. Continuing to battle, they eventually won their first penalty corner of the match. In what seemed the reverse of last week, Karen Fegan slipped to Vicky O’Neill who found Lynsey Sloan on the post to finish the move to put Donaghadee in the lead.

Despite North Down’s desperate attempts to get another one back, the Dee girls kept their concentration until the final whistle to bag a hugely encouraging and very much deserved 3 points!

Thank to Caitland Crockett for umpiring and Lisa Alexander for the medals! The 2XI now have a week off before they take on CI 4XI at home on Saturday 11th March. The 1XI are in action at home this Saturday against Annadale, pass back 1pm

Miss the 1XI running league leaders Holywood close last week, or news of the 2XI’s defeat to Ards? Read it all here >>>

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18/2/17 Holywood 4-2 Donaghadee LHC 1XI and Ards 4-1 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 20/02/2017 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior League 3: Holywood 4-2 Donaghadee LHC 1XI
With Donaghadee LHC 1XI sitting comfortably in mid-table, but in close contention with a number of teams for fourth spot, the girls headed to Strathearn last Saturday to play league leaders Holywood.

Donaghadee started well, with a number of forays down both flanks from Sarah Louise Boyd and Carolyn Scott yielding good balls into the Holywood circle – one cross falling just wide of Kerrie Turtle’s stick – before Holywood seemed to wake up. Two attacks resulted in two goals for the home team; the first an unfortunate deflection off Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam’s pad, the second an even more unlucky rebound which came off Amy Long’s partial charge down at a penalty corner to loop agonisingly just over Siobhan’s outstretched paw and under the cross bar to give Holywood a quick two goal advantage.

There was little Donaghadee could do about Holywood’s third, an excellently struck first time penalty corner shot just before half time, and it looked as though Holywood were home and dry, despite play being more even than the scoreline suggested. Reassuring words were issued by Dee coach Brian McKee at half time, with the instruction to go out and win the half – and Donaghadee did just that.

There was plenty of confident play round the back, with Claire Stewart and Paige Reilly spreading the ball from side to side as Donaghadee tried to find the opening. One quick square ball from Claire to Paige found Emily Morris who, with a sublime first time lay off, rocketed the ball down the left touch line for lateral running forward Kerrie to latch on to.

The build up play down the left created the opening goal for the Dee, with Carolyn allowing the ball to come across her to shoot from a tight angle on the right, the ball squeezing through in off the Holywood keeper’s left pad, to pull a goal back. In midfield Ali Lawther and Lisa Higgins provided the platform for Kerry Kennedy to push on and she was instrumental in Donaghadee’s second goal, with a beautifully timed pass through to Carolyn who shot again down to the keeper’s left to double Donaghadee’s tally: 3-2 and not long to play.

Donaghadee then had a couple of chances to pull level, especially when Caitland Crockett making a lung-bursting dribble forward, but the Holywood sweeper did well to stand firm and clear the danger before Caitland could reach the circle. Shortly after Holywood were quick to make a break with a clinical finish: final score 4-2 to Holywood but what a terrific fighting performance from Donaghadee when the scoreline could have run away with them by half time – a performance they will hope to repeat against Annadale at home on Saturday 4th March. Thanks to Brian McKee for umpiring.

Junior 7: Ards 5XI 4-1 Donaghadee LHC 2XI
With last week’s really positive performance DLHC 2XI went into this week’s game with a spring in their step. Despite this, Donaghadee were immediately under pressure and it was clear this was going to be a tough match.

Much of the game was played in midfield with Ards extremely fast to take advantage of any breaks and with a well rehearsed front line giving the Dee defence plenty to think about, it wasn’t long before they were 1-0 up.

Donaghadee kept battling with Natalie Jamieson, Lisa Alexander and Georgia Ferguson in defence but Ards’ speed and experience on their front line proved overwhelming, and they added a second to their tally: 2-0 to Ards.

Donaghadee were determined to push forward however and with good play between Karen and Elle Fegan they were finding good runs up the left to find young forward Vicky O’Neill.

The Dee were rewarded for their efforts just before half time when they won a penalty corner. Karen received the ball but, under pressure from the Ards number one runner, Karen slipped to Lynsey Sloan who was able to find Vicky O’Neill on the back post, making it 2-1 at half time and giving Donaghadee the lifeline they needed.

The second half started with the same battling spirit from Donaghadee. Teegan Greer proved her versatility, swapping the keeper pads for attacking runs down the right this week, and she was unlucky not to score with some excellent chances. Vickie Pollock also had some isolated runs but the finishing touch was just agonisingly missing for the Dee.

Play continued to be very much a midfield battle with Debs Gilmour providing valuable support for her forwards but Dee found themselves at the receiving end of another fast break putting the home team 3-1 up.

Ards fourth and final goal came as a result of some confusion following a long corner. A number of the Dee players thought whistle had gone to indicate the ball hadn’t travelled 5 before being hit in but play continued and Ards took full advantage, finishing 4-1.

The last two games for the Seconds have shown their ability to score, evidence of an increase in confidence and a little more continuity with positions. With a little bit of extra endeavour to ensure the first half performance carries on to the final whistle, and a never give up attitude, the result they so desperately deserve, is not far away. Thanks to Maura Hennessey for umpiring. The Second are next in action away to North Down, pass back 4pm at Comber Leisure Centre on Saturday.

Miss last week’s report on the 1XI’s match against South Antrim and the 2XI’s agonisingly close game against Holywood Seconds? Read it here >>>

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11/2/17 Donaghadee LHC 1XI 0-1 South Antrim and Holywood 3-2 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 12/02/2017 by Donaghadee LHC
Carolyn in action against South Antrim

Carolyn in action against South Antrim

Senior League 3: Donaghadee LHC 1XI 0-1 South Antrim 1XI
It was back to league action and back to home turf for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI with South Antrim 1XI the visitors to Bangor Grammar on Saturday afternoon.

Playing into the fierce, frigid wind in the first half, Donaghadee had first pass back and quickly had the opportunity to test the visiting defence with lots of pressure in the attacking 25. The final ball inside the circle was missing though and South Antrim were able to clear the danger on several occasions.

One clearance was a booming ball that sliced through many of the players on the pitch, with a South Antrim forward latching on as she cut in from the right. With the ball bobbling about all over the place in the circle, it was a horrible one for the Dee defence to deal with and it somehow snuck over the line to give South the lead.

There continued to be plenty of industry all over the pitch for Donaghadee, and although they did create chances in the attacking circle, the South Antrim keeper was on her mettle to keep her side’s nose in front – a lead which they never relinquished.

Final score 1-0 to South Antrim. Thanks to Brian McKee for umpiring. The 1XI are next in action away to Holywood.

Minor Plate: Holywood 2XI 3-2 Donaghadee LHC 2XI
DLHC 2XI took on league rivals Holywood 2XI away in the Minor Plate last Saturday. After a very closely fought defeat in the league, Donaghadee were determined to try and control this game from the outset. The Dee side seemed to have a spark about them this week showing a competitive will to win which may have been missing in recent weeks, and they started well – putting Holywood immediately under pressure.

Karen and Elle Fegan kept Holywood at bay with some great tackles and distribution. Lynsey Sloan teamed up well with Carmen van der Schyff and Rebecca Bolton to drive the ball forward into the Holywood circle on numerous occasions but the Dee were just missing that final touch. At the other end Holywood made several breaking attacks but with Natalie Jamieson controlling the back line these were easily dealt with.

Donaghadee were certainly dominating the game; much of the play was in the Holywood half with Dee searching for that goal that was so clearly coming. A penalty corner was awarded to Donaghadee which Karen Fegan smashed home into the right hand corner putting the Dee 1-0 ahead.

After half time Donaghadee started as they had finished the first half. Great hit outs from Natalie linked up with Vicky O’Neill and Maura Hennessy with both girls eagerly trying to get another goal.

Not long into second half Lynsey distributed the ball to Maura who found a line through to Vicky on the right hand post. Vicky did really well to push it across the line on her reverse stick to make it 2-0 to Donaghadee.

Holywood responded and were definitely stepping it up a gear with vocal support from their bench but Lisa Alexander and Georgia Ferguson were managing to keep them out.
The game continued a close battle with Holywood then being awarded a few penalty corners in close succession.

The Dee defence found themselves under more pressure than earlier parts of the game and Holywood were showing no signs of backing off. In the last third of the game Donaghadee undeservedly conceded 3 goals, the majority being from scuffles in the goalmouth which keeper Teegan Greer had no chance of seeing despite saving initial shots and keeping Holywood out for so long. The final score finished 3-2 to Holywood.

The Seconds will take the many positive points from this game going forward into the rest of the season: their excellent performance for the majority of the match; where they began to find their voices, calling and supporting each other; the formation and positions that players seemed to have adapted well to and show signs of settling in; the vast number of scoring opportunities and leading the game 2-0 for as long as they did. More of the same next week!

Next match for the 2XI is away to Ards 5XI on Saturday, pass back 2.30pm.

Miss last week’s 1XI action in the Intermediate Cup or the 2XI at home to South Antrim? Read it all here >>>

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4/2/17 Randalstown 5-4 Donaghadee LHC 1XI (AET) and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 0-5 South Antrim

Posted on 06/02/2017 by Donaghadee LHC

Intermediate Cup Round 3: Randalstown 3XI 1-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI (RLHC win 5-4 on strokes AET)
The shuffling of personnel continued for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI when they travelled to the Antrim Forum last Saturday to take on Randalstown 3XI in the third round of the Intermediate Cup.

Short on defenders last week, it was in the middle of the pitch where the Dee were missing players for this game – Kerry Kennedy and Helen Hooks were unavailable this week, although it was great to see Ruth Coulter back in the starting XI and pulling the strings in midfield. A late illness forced Captain Amy Long’s withdrawal but the defence were delighted to have Claire Stewart back in the heart of things, with Georgia Ferguson the hero of the day when she accepted a late call up to start her second match in a row for the 1XI.

Randalstown started the match in the ascendancy, with the opening few minutes spent testing the Donaghadee defence. Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam was on hand to shepherd an early attempt away from danger, and Georgia read play brilliantly to cut in from her right back berth to clear another attack away from the circle. Donaghadee were quick to grow into the match however and spent much of the first half peppering the home circle with attack after attack, without being able to find the killer final ball.

The left was working particularly well for the Dee, with Paige Reilly and Lisa Higgins working in tandem to feed Emily Morris on the wing. Emily’s repeated interceptions of attempted clearances, combined with her positive play ensured plenty of forward momentum to feed forwards Kerrie Turtle and Caitland Crockett as the Dee searched for the opening goal.

It was fitting that it was Emily who scored Donaghadee’s goal early in the second half after yet another foray forward but, rather than the floodgates finally opening for the Dee, Randalstown started to find their way back into the match, buoyed on by their sideline support. A strong run from their left wing provided the ball into the circle and with the ball skittering along the goal line, a Randalstown player was on the back post to bundle the ball in.

With the final whistle calling time on an end to end thriller, the two teams turned round for extra time. Both teams had chances, neither was able to capitalise and it came down to penalty strokes. Of the initial five taken, there was still nothing to separate the two: Carolyn Scott, Kerrie, Claire and Paige Reilly all scored for the Dee and into sudden death it went. With Donaghadee missing two to Randalstown’s 1, it came down to the next stroke for the home side, and much to their jubilation, the ball went just beyond the diving reach of Siobhan.

It was a hugely entertaining afternoon of hockey and congratulations and best wishes to Randalstown as they progress. Thanks to Debs Gilmore for umpiring. The 1XI are back in league action this Saturday at home against South Antrim, pass back 1pm.

Junior League 7: Donaghadee LHC 2XI 0-5 South Antrim 2XI

In lovely hockey conditions Donaghadee LHC 2XI welcomed South Antrim 2XI to Bangor Grammar last Saturday. Donaghadee won the toss and chose to take first pass back. The girls started brightly, with midfielder Carmen van der Schyff working well with Maura Hennessey to play the ball up to the attacking circle. Young Vicky O’Neill did fanatstically well as she tried to wriggle her way through the South Antrim defence but the visitors were quick to close out the danger.

With some slick passing on show, South Antrim made a quick counter attack and, with the Dee defence wrong-footed, they put the ball in the back of the net. The Donaghadee defence were then put under considerable pressure through a number of penalty corners with Lynsey Sloan, Lisa Alexander, Natalie Jamieson and Angela Parker all doing their level best to protect the goals, and they made no mistake in clearing the ball to safety. South Antrim were able to nick another one just before the half time whistle however to finish the first period 2-0 to the good.

Going into the second half Donaghadee showed great determination not to be deterred and Karen Fegan linked with daughter Elle as they tried to push the play up towards the South circle. Rebecca Botlon made a great run forward and, hungry for her first goal for the Dee, steadied herself to shoot but unfortunately the visting defence was strong and on form to clear the ball.

Donaghadee keeper Teegan Greer, deputising for injured Janice McVeigh, was on super form to make some outstanding saves but the constant pressure told, with the final score 5-0 to South Antrim. Thanks to South Antrim for providing an umpire for this match. The Seconds are away to Holywood 2XI in the first round of the Minor Plate. Pass back is at 2.45pm at Strathearn.

Miss last week’s reports on the 1XI’s win over Newry? Read it here >>>

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28/1/17 Newry 0-4 Donaghadee LHC 1XI

Posted on 30/01/2017 by Donaghadee LHC
DLHC 1XI Bus Trip to Newry

DLHC 1XI Bus Trip to Newry Back (l-r) Amy Long, Caitland Crockett, Sarah Harkness, Nicola Patton, Ali Lawther, Siobhan McAdam, Carolyn Scott, Emily Morris, Kerry Kennedy Front: Kerrie Turtle, Georgia Ferguson, Lisa Higgins

Senior 3: Newry 0-4 Donaghadee LHC 1XI
There’s little that gladdens the heart more than a hockey bus trip, a feeling which is only made better by a win at the far end, so DLHC’s 1XI were in great form by the end of Saturday night after the away fixture against Newry.

There was a bit of mixing and matching for captain Amy Long with 4 regulars unavailable in the run up to Saturday’s match. In a team very short on defenders, midfielder Ali Lawther dropped back to central defence and forward Carolyn Scott slotted in to a defensive midfield role with Georgia Ferguson earning a call up to the Firsts.

Newry have found results very hard to come by this season but there was little sign of it in the opening stages – plenty of attacking play for the home side tested the makeshift Dee defence with Ali stepping forward to make several well timed interceptions. Indeed the early stages were when Donaghadee keeper Siobhan McAdam was under the most pressure, and she responded in her usual calm manner to clear the danger.

Up at the other end of the pitch, Donaghadee certainly weren’t lacking in fire power, with Kerrie Turtle, Caitland Crockett and Sarah Harkness leading the line, and it was Caitland who opened the scoring before half time with a fine individual goal. She added to her tally moments later to give Donaghadee a two goal advantage before a defence-splitting pass from Kerry Kennedy put Sarah through one on one with the Newry keeper, with the inevitable outcome: 3-0 to the Dee and very little way back for the home side.

There was plenty of industry from Lisa Higgins and Emily Morris in the build up to Donaghadee’s fourth goal, with the two players linking well on the left to set up Kerrie T, who finished cutely with a reverse stick effort to round off the scoring for the Dee. Final score 4-0 to Donaghadee. Thanks to Nicola Patton for umpiring, to Ian’s School of Motoring for the minibus and to the Frisky Bear in Holywood for the hospitality.

The 1XI are next in action in the 3rd round of the Intermediate Cup, away to Randalstown 3XI on Saturday, pass back 1pm at the Antrim Forum. The 2XI are at home to South Antrim 2XI, pass back 1pm.

Miss last week’s report on the 1XI’s excellent draw against Kilkeel? Read it here >>>
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