14/11/15 Dromore 1-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI and NICS 4XI 1-1 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 16/11/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

Intermediate Cup Rd 1: Dromore 3XI 1-1 Donaghadee LHC (Dromore win 4-3 on penalty flicks)
With Dromore’s home pitch an early victim of the weekend’s torrential rain, the first round tie of the Intermediate Cup for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI was switched to an equally rain sodden, but thankfully playable, pitch in Lisburn. Despite the horrible conditions, the girls in red were out of the blocks in a flash, with a couple of very good early chances just going begging.

Despite Donaghadee missing four regular First teamers, much of the pressure came from the Senior 3 side but the young Dromore team held firm making for an entertaining and end to end game for the few hardy souls watching on the sideline. Sarah Harkness broke the deadlock with her first competitive goal for the Dee with a well-placed shot across the home keeper which snuck just inside the far post to give Donaghadee the lead midway through the first half.

Dromore equalised just before half time in one of their forays foward – no less than they deserved in this even contest. The second half saw much of the same; both teams trying hard to play flowing hockey in atrocious conditions but neither was able to add to the scoreline.

With the full time whistle bringing proceedings to a soggy close, the match went to flicks and again, there was nothing to choose between the teams; successful conversions from Maura, Ruth and Claire were cancelled out by 3 Dromore strikes, meaning the tie would be decided by sudden death. The Dromore striker took and scored her flick and the Dromore keeper then won the match for her side with the last save of the afternoon. Thank you to Dromore for providing two umpires for the match and good luck to their team in the next round.

The Firsts are back to league action away to Newry on Saturday.

Minor Cup Rd 1: NICS 4XI 1-1 Donaghadee LHC 2XI (2-1 AET)
Donaghadee 2XI travelled to Stormont last Saturday to play the first round of the Minor Cup against the same opponents from the previous week albeit in a league fixture then. Donaghadee went into the game in positive spirits having won that encounter but knew they had no room to be complacent.

The match took place in rather dismal conditions however Donaghadee did not let the rain dampen their spirits and right from the whistle applied pressure on the NICS defence. Within the first 10 minutes Angela Parker made her presence felt by picking up a loose ball in the Donaghadee half and calmly dribbling the ball all the way into the NICS circle before beating the keeper to give the Dee an early lead. The home side were not ready to let their opponents beat them two weeks in succession however so the match became hotly contested, leading to some action packed play. The defensive trio of Lisa Alexander, Debbie Findlater and Tori Rollo kept many of the NICS attacks at bay and on the odd occasion when their line was broken keeper Janice McVeigh was quick to react and made several successful saves.

Donaghadee had many chances to add to their scoreline during the game with shots at goal coming from all angles thanks to Elle Fegan, Vickie Pollock, Caitland Crockett and Karen Fegan with Emily Morris even managing to hit the post on one occasion. Tasha Paxton made a great run down the centre of the pitch to find her resulting shot saved by the NICS keeper. As always Melissa Rollo and Nikki Robinson worked well together in midfield breaking down the NICS play.

NICS won themselves a penalty corner and through a well rehearsed routine managed to even the match up in the second half.  Donaghadee kept up the determination and fight to end of the full time but couldn’t manage to get themselves in front again. The whistle blew at 1-1 and, as the game was a cup match, extra time of 5 minutes each way was required. Although both sides were visibly tired due to the high intensity play during the match, Donaghadee dug deep to keep the attacks going. With two minutes remaining it looked like the match was going to penalty flicks to determine a result, but high forward Vickie picked up the ball and scored, resulting in Donaghadee progressing to the second round of the Minor Cup.

Many thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring. Next match for Donaghadee 2XI is against Instonians 2XI on Friday night at Bangor Grammar.

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7/11/15 Newcastle P-P Donaghadee LHC 1XI and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 2-1 NICS 4XI

Posted on 09/11/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

Junior League 8: Donaghadee LHC 2XI 2-1 NICS 4XI
After the Halloween break last week, Donaghadee 2XI continued their league programme welcoming NICS 4XI to Bangor Grammar on Saturday.

The match started in heavy rain making conditions tough and slow for both sides. NICS won themselves a couple of early penalty corners and after an unsuccessful attempt when the experienced Dee defence of Lisa Alexander, Tori Rollo, Karen Fegan and Melissa Rollo with keeper Janice McVeigh cleared the initial ball to safety, the visitors managed to slip the second attempt past putting them 1-0 up.

As the clouds parted and the sun came out, the level of play improved steadily throughout the game and the home side became more determined not to let the match slip from their grasp. The young midfielders Caitland Crockett, Angela Parker and Elle Fegan worked the ball forward and managed to find Maura Hennessey at the edge of the opponent’s circle. She expertly controlled the bobbling ball and calmly flicked the ball high into the net much to the delight of the ever increasing group of Dee supporters.

After the half time break again Donaghadee stepped up the level of their play and, with Melissa and Nikki Robinson working hard in the middle of pitch to break down any NICS attacks, the home side continued to mount pressure. Vickie Pollock, Caitland and Karen all made attempts at goal to keep the NICS defenders busy. Melissa was desperately unlucky not to add to her tally of goals for this season when her shot from a penalty corner bounced off the post.

The visitors however were keen to retaliate and at times broke through into the circle calling on defenders Debbie Findlater, Tori and Lisa to keep the pressure off Janice. Although the match was hotly contested by both teams Donaghadee looked the hungrier side and right at the end of the match Kate Pounder won them a penalty corner. Maura stepped up and took the initial strike with Emily Morris neatly deflecting the ball at the left post into back of the net, resulting in the home side winning the match 2-1

Many thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring. Next week sees a repeat of this fixture when Donaghadee 2nds play NICS 4ths in the first round of the Minor Cup away, when Donaghadee will be hoping for a repeat of the scoreline also.

The 1XI were due to play Newcastle away on Saturday afternoon but the fixture fell foul of the weather, with Donard Park waterlogged and unplayable meaning a two week break going in to their own Cup tie – the first round of the Intermediate Cup against Senior 2 side Dromore (away).

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24/10/15 Donaghadee LHC 1XI 3-1 Annadale and Ballynahinch 1-0 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 25/10/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

Donaghadee LHC 1XI 3-1 Annadale
The green shoots of positivity which have been emerging from the performances of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI over the last couple of weeks finally translated into the first win of the season last Saturday when Annadale came to Bangor Grammar.

Donaghadee were quick out of the blocks for a change and put the visitors under some good early pressure with Tasha Paxton and Ruth Coulter linking well on the right and Maura Hennessey finding joy down the left flank with Helen Hooks supporting in the left midfield berth. It was a defence-splitting pass from Helen which found Carolyn Scott unmarked in the attacking 25 and, with no blue shirts in attendance, the forward carried to the edge of the circle before unleashing an unstoppable shot low to the keeper’s right to put Donaghadee 1-0 up.

Annadale were quick to respond and within minutes had equalised after a melee in the Donaghadee circle saw the ball stabbed over the goal line. Donaghadee continued to attack with purpose and again  the left brought joy when a loose Annadale sideline ball was misdirected and passed directly into free space. Carolyn was quick to pounce and in her second one on one with the Annadale keeper of the afternoon, the strike this time went to the keeper’s left with exactly the same outcome, giving Donaghadee a 2-1 lead at half time.

After the turn around Annadale were attacking through the middle and Ali Lawther in the central defensive midfield position needed to be on her mettle to protect central defenders Claire Stewart and Paige Reilly. The Dee defence looked solid, with Amy Long and Kat McFarland tucking in when necessary but also providing width when required to help set up numerous Donaghadee attacks. Dee keeper Nicola Patton was alert on numerous occasions to play her part in keeping the ball well away from the Dee goal line too, closing down quickly and clearing well to safety when called upon.

There were further Donaghadee chances with both Sarah Harkness and Kerrie Turtle threatening the visitors’ goal but Donaghadee made sure of the three points thanks to a well worked penalty corner; Claire finishing well from a tight angle with what was the first goal of her hockey career! Final score a very heartening 3-1 to Donaghadee. Many thanks to Caitland Crockett for umpiring. The next match for the 1XI is away to Newcastle on 7th November.

Junior League 8: Ballynahinch 2XI 1-0 Donaghadee LCH 2XI
Donaghadee 2nd XI travelled to Ballynahinch late on Friday night to fulfill their league fixture against Ballynahinch 2nd XI. Although the Dee side were missing some of their regular more experienced players, they were able to make great use of youngsters Elle Fegan, Angela Parker and Kate Pounder whose youthful energy helped inspire the rest of the Dee team.

Both teams started with enthusiasm resulting in some really competitive play. Caitland Crockett, Vickie Pollock and Karen Fegan all stamped their authority on the game creating chances for Donaghadee down the left side but despite their best efforts they were unable to get any score.

Donaghadee’s defence of Tori Rollo, Debbie Findlater and Melissa Rollo worked well to fend off most of the Ballynahinch attacks but not long after the start of the second half, some well-timed clean passing from the Ballynahinch players resulted in the ball crossing swiftly across the circle and despite a great dive from determined keeper Janice McVeigh, the ball trickled over the line putting Ballynahinch 1-0 ahead.

Donaghadee battled on to try and level the game up with one attack in particular starting in their own circle by Emily Morris. She found Kat Masterson unmarked and it looked like the visitors may achieve parity but unfortunately the goal was disallowed as the ball came off her knee instead of the stick!

The final whistle blew leaving the scoreline 1-0 to Ballynahinch.

Many thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring. Donaghadee have a free week next weekend and then will return to action on 7th November to take on NI Civil Service at home.

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17/10/10 Holywood 6-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI and Ballymena 1-1 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 19/10/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior League 3: Holywood 6-1 Donaghadee 1XI
Although the season is autumn, the past few weeks have felt like a dark winter for Donaghadee LHC’s 1XI after some heavy defeats in their new league, but winter could be turning into spring with a few green shoots of positivity finally breaking through. The team certainly seems to be getting back to playing the attractive passing hockey that served them so well last season, and this was how they started the match against a Holywood team that have begun this season with mixed fortunes.

Donaghadee dominated the opening exchanges, working well down both sides of the pitch and creating a number of chances to take an early lead. However a combination of stout defending and good goalkeeping kept the Dee girls out, and as has happened so often this season, a quick break and some slick passing by the Holywood forwards ended with a goal for the opposition. Donaghadee quickly regrouped and continued to push for an equaliser until they came under a period of more sustained pressure just before half time which led to a second Holywood goal.

The scoreline read 2-0 at half time, but the Dee had showed enough attacking intent to turn around in positive mood, and their attitude was finally rewarded. Good Dee pressure in the opposition half led to a couple of half-shots on goal and when a clearance fell to Helen Hooks, supporting the forwards from her midfield berth, she saw her strike beat the keeper and sneak in at the back post to bring the Dee back within one goal.

Unfortunately this margin didn’t last very long; within 5 minutes Holywood had restored the 2 goal advantage in spite of the best efforts of the Dee defence. Even then the Donaghadee girls didn’t give up, and continued to break with speed and determination but it seemed that each time they pushed forward seeking goals, Holywood used the opportunity to get in behind the Dee defence and, with some impressive finishing, put the game beyond reach.

The final score read 6-1 to Holywood, but both they and their umpire magnanimously agreed it by no means reflected the match. Another defeat, but with more positive signs on show the Dee girls look forward to building on the improvements they are making week by week. Thanks go to Brian McKee for umpiring.

Next match for the 1XI is at home to Annadale on Saturday, pass back 2.30pm and all support will be most welcome as the girls aim for their first win of the season.

Junior League 8: Ballymena XI 1-1 Donaghadee 2XI
After a successful start to their 2015/16 league campaign with 3 wins out of 4 games to date Donaghadee 2XI travelled to Ballymena Academy on Saturday to take on Ballymena 4XI looking to add more points to their tally.

Both teams started the game strongly with very evenly matched end to end play. Both teams had chances to score but thanks to the experienced Dee defence of Lisa Alexander, Tori Rollo, Debbie Findlater and keeper Janice McVeigh, Ballymena were denied any opportunity to get their noses in front.

Good linking play from Elle Fegan and Kate Pounder allowed Karen Fegan and Caitland Crockett several shots but unfortunately for Donaghadee none could be converted. Angela Parker, who turned 15 the day before the game, enjoyed her debut performance for Donaghadee, adding speed to the right wing and giving the Ballymena defenders plenty of trouble.

After half time Ballymena worked hard to put themselves ahead with many of their efforts successfully hampered by Melissa Rollo and Nikki Robinson in midfield. The home side’s perseverance however paid off as they just managed to put the ball over the line despite a couple of good saves from Janice and Lisa’s efforts to clear the ball away to safety.

Donaghadee kept up the pressure right to the end of the match resulting in a great shot from Kat Masterson finding the back of the net, however as the ball touched a Ballymena player’s foot on the way, a penalty corner was awarded. The initial strike was saved by the Ballymena keeper but Emily Morris was on hand to slot the rebound in, levelling the game at 1-1.

The final score was 1-1 with Donaghadee happy to add another point to their total. Many thanks to Nicola Patton for umpiring. Next up is a trip away to Ballynahinch on Friday night.

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10/10/15 Donaghadee LHC 1XI 0-4 Coleraine LHC 1XI and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 3-0 Coleraine 3XI

Posted on 12/10/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior League 3: Donaghadee LHC 1XI 0-4 Coleraine 1XI
It’s been a difficult start to life in Senior 3 for Donaghadee LHC’s 1XI with defeats in the last two weeks against top of the table opposition and Saturday promised to be another stiff test, with Donaghadee welcoming last year’s runaway league leaders Coleraine to Bangor Grammar.

Donaghadee started better than they have done recently and were more competitive across the pitch – forwards Kerrie Turtle, Sarah Harkness and Carolyn Scott seeing more of the ball in the early exchanges than they did the previous week. Despite the late unavailability of Captain Ali Lawther in midfield, Lisa Higgins stepped up from her usual defensive berth to fill the gap alongside Ruth Kennedy and the brilliant Helen Hooks and again, Donaghadee made life tougher in the middle of the pitch for the opposition than of late.

Although Coleraine did breach the Donaghadee goal line, the Dee defence are starting to show signs of good link up play with Claire Stewart bossing the central defensive area and spreading the ball wide to Paige Reilly on the left and Amy Long on the right. New keeper Nicola Patton also deserves special mention for a number of outstanding saves to keep the scoreline down.

Tasha Paxton made a real impact when she came on, troubling the Coleraine defence down the right with her pace, although her afternoon was cut short when she fell heavily in the second half and was unable to continue. Maura Hennessey had a great chance right at the end to get on the scoresheet but she was really unlucky when a cross just eluded her at Coleraine’s back post.

Another disappointing result for the Firsts but there are signs that the work is starting to click and the girls are looking forward to Saturday’s match away to Holywood, pass back 1pm at Strathearn. Many thanks to Caitland Crockett for umpiring against Coleraine.

Junior League 8: Donaghadee LHC 2XI 3-0 Coleraine 3XI
Following two successful weeks Donaghadee 2nd XI welcomed Coleraine 3rd XI to Bangor Grammar on Saturday with a new found team confidence. This set the standard for much of the match as Donaghadee took control of the game from the outset and enjoyed one of their best team performances to date.

Early attacking Dee pressure by Caitland Crockett, Elle Fegan and Karen Fegan saw the home side dominate the play winning themselves a penalty corner. The initial strike was successfully saved by the Coleraine keeper but forward Vickie Pollock was quick to calmly slot the rebound into the back of the net adding to her increasing goal scoring tally.

Nikki Robinson and Melissa Rollo played a superb game in the centre of the pitch to break up play by Coleraine and distribute the ball forwards so it wasn’t long before Donaghadee mounted the pressure on the visitors again. Ably assisted by subs Maura Hennessey and Tasha Paxton, when Emily Morris received the ball in the attacking quarter she carried the ball into the circle and the resulting shot was successful in putting Donaghadee 2-0 ahead.

On the occasions when Coleraine did mount their own pressure the Donaghadee defenders of Lisa Alexander, Tori Rollo and Debbie Findlater were on hand to ably defend their circle resulting in keeper Janice McVeigh enjoying a relatively quiet game.

During the second half Donaghadee won themselves a series of penalty corners, two of which were cleanly struck by Karen but just missed getting the necessary deflection by a Donaghadee stick on the post. The third penalty corner was a successful family affair with Tori pushing the ball out to daughter Melissa who struck the ball cleanly to finish the game with a convincing win for Donaghadee 3-0.

Many thanks to Brian McKee for umpiring. Donaghadee look forward to travelling to Ballymena next week to hopefully continue their run of good form.

DLHC Skills Masterclasses

DLHC 1XI and 2XI defenders with Ireland international Jonny Bell

Members of DLHC with Ireland international Jonny Bell

Members of DLHC were delighted to take part in a Skills Masterclass with Ireland defender Jonny Bell last Monday. With 78 caps to his name, Jonny was able to impart some valuable advice to the 1XI and 2XI defenders in what was a very enjoyable and useful session for everyone involved.

It will be the turn of the midfielders next Monday when former Ireland international Mark Raphael takes the helm of the much anticipated third Skills Masterclass on the pitch at Bangor Grammar.

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3/10/15 Kilkeel 4-0 Donaghadee LHC 1XI and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 2-0 Owls

Posted on 04/10/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior League 3: Kilkeel 4-0 Donaghadee 1XI
After a tough time at the hands of early pace setters Saintfield 1XI last week, Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI were hoping for better things when they took on Kilkeel away on Saturday.

Things looked ominous early in the match with the home team camped almost exclusively in the Donaghadee half but with stout defending from the Dee and wayward shooting by the Kilkeel forwards, the score remained 0-0 for longer than the home side probably would have liked.

The flood of maroon was relentless however and three goals were scored in quick succession before the half time break, leaving Donaghadee with a mountain to climb in the second half. Several positional switches shored up the defence for the Dee and steadied the ship somewhat, allowing the girls in red to venture into the Kilkeel circle and force a couple of saves from the home keeper but the result was effectively sealed when Kilkeel got their fourth goal shortly before the final whistle.

Next match for the 1XI is at home on Saturday against Coleraine.

Junior League 8: Donaghadee 2XI 2-0 Owls
On Saturday Donaghadee 2XI welcomed Owls 3XI to Bangor Grammar. Donaghadee started strongly and put pressure on Owls’ defence, winning a penalty corner. The Dee put this to good use with Melissa Rollo putting the ball in the back of the net to go 1-0 up at half time.

In the second half there was end to end action with both teams looking to be next on the score sheet. Siobhan McAdam had a lot of work to do in the Donaghadee goal, with 4 penalty corners in a row but she and the Dee defence ensured no balls crossed the goal line. Vickie Pollock then nipped in to get Donagahdee’s second goal just before the final whistle – adding to her tally from last week – to ensure that Donaghadee took the 3 points for the second week running. Many thanks to Maura Hennessey for umpiring.

The 2XI are next in action at home to Coleraine on Saturday.

DLHC Skills Masterclass
In the second installment of the DLHC Masterclasses, the club’s defenders will be put through their paces by Irish international Jonny Bell on Monday evening (5th October). Jonny currently has 74 Ireland caps to his name, so the girls are very much looking forward to the session!

Home Match Drinks
With both teams at home on Saturday, the players are looking forward to heading back to Donaghadee for a few drinks and a bit of the usual DLHC craic!

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26/9/15 Donaghadee LHC 1XI 0-7 Saintfield and Donaghadee LHC 2XI 1-0 Saintfield

Posted on 28/09/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

DLHC 2XI 1-0 Saintfield 3XI
Donaghadee LHC’s 2XI had first billing on the Saintfield double header last Saturday when they played the away team’s 3XI in this, their second match of the league campaign, having lost very narrowly to Bangor the previous week. With several new faces slotting in to the Seconds’ line up, there were numerous positives taken from the local derby and this confidence was evident as the team lined up on Saturday.

The two teams were evenly matched for much of the first half, with both having chances to go ahead. Despite this however, it remained scoreless at half time. As the match wore on, Saintfield pressed higher as they searched for the breakthrough goal which inevitably started to leave gaps for the Donaghadee forwards to run into.

With full time looming, one such chance was pounced upon with the Dee midfield making a timely interception to leave the visiting defence isolated. With the ball looking to be heading away from danger off the back line, new Donaghadee forward Vickie Pollock nipped in in front of the Saintfield keeper to divert the ball over the line, much to the joy of her team mates and watching Dee support. The single goal was enough to secure 3 points and a confidence-boosting win for the Dee girls. Thanks to Carolyn Scott for umpiring. DLHC 2XI are at home on Saturday at 1pm against Owls.

DLHC 1XI 0-7 Saintfield 1XI
Donaghadee LHC 1XI weren’t able to replicate the Seconds’ win, going down 7-0 against a clinical Saintfield 1XI in the second match of the day. Thanks to Brian McKee for umpiring. The 1XI will be hoping for a better showing against Kilkeel away on Saturday.

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19/9/15 Bangor 1-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI and Bangor 1-0 Donaghadee LHC 2XI

Posted on 21/09/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

Bangor 1XI 1-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI
Donaghadee Ladies 1XI earned their first point of their Senior 3 campaign against neighbours Bangor on Saturday in a solid and confident display that could well have yielded more.

Donaghadee started very brightly with a lot of pressure on the Bangor defence and much of the action in the Dee’s attacking half. The Dee midfield of Ali Lawther, Helen Hooks and Carolyn Scott were providing a strong platform for Ruth Kennedy, Kerrie Turtle and Emily Morris to get forward and the pressure told when Donaghadee were awarded a number of penalty corners in succession. One of these were converted when a straight strike from Carolyn took a deflection off a Bangor stick past their keeper. Bangor did enjoy some attacking play which led to a goal just before the half time whistle to level things up: half time score: 1-1.

Donaghadee were just as resolute in defence in the second half with Claire Stewart and Nina Wells in the centre of the pitch and wide players Lisa Higgins and Amy Long working well as a unit to thwart any attacking efforts from the home side, protecting keeper Nicola Patton with aplomb. With the defenders doing their bit, sub Caitland Crockett came on up front to add impetus and Donaghadee did have several chances to win the match, not least when Kerrie saw her shot ping off the near post with 30 seconds remaining.

Many thanks to Maura Hennessey for umpiring. The 1XI are next in action at home to Saintfield on Saturday, pass back 2.30pm.

Bangor 1XI 1-0 Donaghadee LHC 2XI
After some good results from Donaghadee 2nd XI pre-season friendly games in preparation for the new club year, the team were looking forward to playing their first match against local rivals Bangor at Aurora on Friday night.

The game started well for Donaghadee with plenty of early exchanges between the attacking players made up of new club members Kat Masterson and Vicky Pollock, returning member Caitland Crockett and captain and vice-captain Emily Morris and Karen Fegan. Emily found space out on the right wing to cross the ball into the circle with Caitland’s shot whistling just wide of the post while a shot shortly afterwards from Karen also just ran wide of the net.

Bangor then found some momentum and on the occasions when they penetrated the half backs of Paige Reilly and Janice McVeigh (who stepped out of her keeper pads this week to make light work of playing out field), they were faced with strong defence in the form of Lisa Alexander, Tori Rollo and Debbie Findlater.  The home side took advantage of playing a free from just outside the Dee circle very quickly, catching all the Dee defence unaware and managing to slip the ball past keeper Siobhan McAdam to go one up prior to half time.

Bangor tried to press ahead further putting the Dee defence under pressure but newcomer
Samantha Lowry came on to help out at the back. After an impressive save from Siobhan which resulted in her being off balance for a moment, Bangor took another shot with the ball being cleared neatly off the line by Janice, which emphasised how well the whole defence played together during the game.

In true Dee style, the players continued to fight and look for an equalising goal with their persistence looking like it would pay off in the dying minutes of the game. Paige pushed high with a free hit finding Kat at the edge of the circle who worked the ball in resulting in Vicky, Karen, Janice and Caitland all with shots on target sadly being denied of a goal as the Bangor defence held strong, making seemingly endless saves to protect their lead.

The final whistle ended 1-0 to Bangor, a disappointing result for Donaghadee who arguably deserved to take a point from the evenly matched game but the Dee’s overall performance stands them in good stead to take on Saintfield next week at home (pass back 1pm). Thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring.

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12/9/15 Enniskillen 1-0 Donaghadee LHC 1XI

Posted on 13/09/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior League 3: Enniskillen 1XI 1-0 Donaghadee LHC 1XI
Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s newly promoted 1XI kicked off life in Senior 3 with a trip west to Enniskillen on Saturday.

Donaghadee have strengthened the ranks over the summer with a number of new faces appearing during the close season. With defender Kat McFarlane returning to Northern Ireland and joining the Club at the end of last season from Hamble Hockey Club, midfielder Helen Hooks, previously with Bangor, forward Sarah Harkness moving from Coleraine and former Ards keeper Nicola Patton also joining, incoming 1XI captain Ali Lawther was delighted to have such choice at her disposal.

Indeed all were to make their competitive debuts for the Dee in this match as Donaghadee tried to emulate the good opening form of last season. The Dee probably shaded possession in the early exchanges of this match and forward Carolyn Scott really should have done much better when, at the edge of the Enniskillen circle with the keeper far off her line, she shot well wide.

Having survived the early scare, the home side then began to dominate, putting the Dee defence under considerable and sustained pressure. Claire Stewart and Amy Long were linking well together at the back however and, with the added stability offered by Kat McF and Lisa Higgins on the left, little was penetrating the Dee circle. A slight shuffling of positions saw Maura Hennessey dropping back to help Helen and Ali in midfield and this did seem to stem the blue tide slightly, although a lucky ball snuck through to a home forward at the edge of the circle. With the Dee defenders halting, believing they had heard a whistle, the Enniskillen forward played on and the ball ended up in the back of the net.

There was much better attacking play from Donaghadee in the second half, with Tasha Paxton enjoying a lot of space wide on the right and Kerrie Turtle holding a wide left position but there was ultimately little for new centre forward Sarah Harkness to feed off; the Enniskillen goalkeeper was generally well protected by those in front of her, with none of the Dee forwards able to make many inroads towards the home goal line.

Despite the 1-0 final scoreline there were many positives to be taken from this first game in the higher flight; keeper Nicola Patton made several well timed saves and was quick off her line to thwart any attacks, there was good link up play round the back and both the midfield and forwards showed glimpses of some neat interplay; indeed it will be an interesting test when the team play Bangor (away) on Saturday. Special mention to 2XI player Caitland Crockett who stepped up to umpire this match, doing so with aplomb and a confidence that belied her years!

DLHC 2XI will start their league campaign against Bangor 2XI on Friday night at Bangor Aurora with a number of new faces set to make their debuts for the club.

First Skills Masterclass
DLHC forwards and goalkeepers are very much looking forward to the first Skills Masterclass which takes place tomorrow (Monday) evening at BGS. The session is being taken by Adam Louden of QUB LHC and Boost Hockey Academy and should prove a very worthwhile hour for all involved! There will be NO training for those not involved in the Masterclass. There will be training as usual on Wednesday night for all club members.

DLHC Players’ Barbeque
Members of DLHC are very much looking forward to the first social of the season at the Players’ Barbeque at Pier 36 on Saturday after the Firsts’ match at Bangor Aurora – all members, past present and future, are welcome.

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September 2015: First matches preview, Skill Masterclass and Players’ Barbeque

Posted on 06/09/2015 by Donaghadee LHC

With pre-season fitness and latterly twice weekly pitch sessions at Bangor Grammar now but a distant memory for members of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club, attention turns to the first league matches of the season which are scheduled to take place on Saturday (12th September).

Having gained promotion from Senior 4 with Coleraine and Newry at the end of last season, DLHC’s 1XI will be facing a new set of challenges, with renewed acquaintances with near neighbours Bangor and Holywood, an unknown quantity in the shape of Annadale and last year’s Intermediate Cup First Round opponents Saintfield. Along with the trip north to Coleraine and south down the A1 to Newry, the team also face increased mileage with trips to Kilkeel and Newcastle.

The first long haul trip of the season takes place on Saturday with the Firsts heading West to play Enniskillen. The team has a slightly unfamiliar look about it with defender Suzie Ferguson unavailable due to pregnancy and Siobhan McAdam and Paige Reilly unable to travel. Donaghadee have however boosted their ranks during the summer with former Coleraine forward Sarah Harkness, ex Ards keeper Nicola Patton and Helen Hooks, previously of Bangor all declaring their availability for selection.

Details of DLHC’s 2XI’s league campaign are slightly more sketchy at the time of writing, with Ulster Hockey still to issue the finalised fixtures for Junior 8 but early indications suggest that the 2XI will be pooled with several Belfast-based teams such as Civil Service and Instonians. They will also face their own day trips with several forays north when they play Ballycastle, Coleraine, Ballymena and Owls. There will be no match for the 2XI this weekend after scheduled opponents PSNI withdrew from the league.

DLHC Skills Masterclass
The first DLHC Skills Masterclass takes place on Monday evening with the DLHC forwards and goalkeepers being put through their paces by the vastly experienced Adam Louden of QUB LHC in what should be a very useful and worthwhile hour for all involved. There will be NO training for club members not involved in the Skills Masterclass.

DLHC Players’ Barbeque
All members of the Club are invited to the Players’ Barbeque being held at Pier 36 on Saturday 19th September from 5pm. With lots of new faces appearing at the club during the pre-season period, this will be a brilliant way for all players to get to know each other off the pitch. £10 to Carolyn to secure your spot and ensure you get your share of a burger, sausage and salad!

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