Members of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club on their recent trip to watch Commonwealth Games hockey. From left: Ali Gordon, Teegan Greer, Siobhan McAdam, Carolyn Scott, Tina Sterling, Hannah McAdam, Leona Wells, Melissa Rollo, Tasha Paxton, Lisa Higgins, Ali Lawther, Jill Dennison (kneeling)
A few of the 13/14 prize winners at Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s End of Season Do which was held in The Moat last Saturday.
From top left: Siobhan McAdam (Overall Contribution to DLHC), Alison Lawther (1st XI Players’ Player of the Year), Carolyn Scott (1st XI Top Goalscorer and Overall Contribution to DLHC)
Middle: Maura Hennessey (2nd XI Top Goalscorer and Captain’s Player of the Year), Kerrie Turtle (1st XI Most Improved Player), Jan Morrow (2nd XI Most Improved Player)
Front: Jill Dennison (Team Contribution)
In a season when Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club entered a 2nd XI into the league programme for the first time since the 80s (with the team finishing in a very creditable mid table position), the Club also embarked on its first overseas tour with a trip to Lloret de Mar just north of Barcelona last weekend.
Eleven players made up of both the 1st XI and 2nd XI teams along with manager Will McAdam set off early on Friday morning, heading for their furthest away game to date against the Egara Mamis team from Terrassa, Spain. After arriving at the hotel and suitably refreshed, the Dee made the hour long bus trip to fulfil their fixture. Greeted by two of the host club’s English speaking players, Donaghadee were most warmly welcomed to the superb facilities of Club Egara – a massive club boasting numerous Spain international players past and present amongst their ranks. Fortunately for the Dee however none of the internationals were representing their club on Friday evening.
The match took the format of three 20 minute periods which allowed the home team to give a run out to all their players who had turned out for the game and was welcomed by Donaghadee who, having come from seemingly endless wet and windy Saturdays this season, found the Spanish Spring air considerably warmer than conditions back in NI.
Before pass back the two clubs posed for team photos and Dee captain Suzie Ferguson presented Egara with a DLHC pennant to mark the occasion. From the start of the match it was evident that Donaghadee were the stronger team, immediately putting the home team under pressure, and not taking long to get on the score sheet through centre forward Kerrie Turtle. The tourists added another couple through Kerrie and Carolyn before a transgression in the Dee circle allowed Egara back into the match. In a variation to the usual penalty corner routine, it was agreed by both teams at the start of the match that in the event of a foul in the circle, an attacker would be allowed a one on one shot against the defending keeper. Egara used this to their advantage and, despite a diving effort by Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam, got themselves on the score sheet. This period continued in much the same vein with good Dee pressure and Egara keeping in touch through their penalty corner shots.
Cheered on by Will and Lisa Higgins on the sideline, the Dee mixed up their positions in the second period, with Ruth Kennedy on left wing and Emily Morris on right dropping back into midfield to play alongside Ali Lawther and Deborah Gilmour. Hannah McAdam went up front, with Carolyn and Kerrie slotting in as the last line of defence with Lisa Alexander in front of Siobhan. The match continued on its good natured way with the final score 8-5 to Donaghadee. After hearty congratulations all round both teams retired to the magnificent club house with its sun terrace overlooking the main pitch to enjoy a well deserved drink and feast laid on by the hosts; Donaghadee delighted to have kicked off their international careers with a win.
The following day was left free for enjoying the surroundings of seaside Lloret de Mar with everyone opting for a lazy day on the beach, followed by sampling the highlights of Lloret’s nightlife. The final full day saw the intrepid tourists heading down the coast for a day’s exploring and shopping in Barcelona, both of which were enjoyed by all, the day rounded off by a delightful meal in one of the city’s many squares. The flight home on the Monday completed the weekend with twelve weary but happy tourists hoping to enjoy another visit to the wonderful city of Barcelona in the not too distant future, not to mention another “international” hockey tour!
With Donaghadee LHC’s 1st XI league programme having wrapped up against Ballynahinch, the Firsts’ had at least one more match to go, with the Quarter Final of the Intermediate Plate against Civil Service Seconds taking place last Saturday. Civil Service had beaten Ballynahinch 4-0 to reach this stage, so Donaghadee were well aware it had the potential to be a tough match.
As has been the way this season, Donaghadee started well with an early shot from Carolyn Scott flashing across the face of the Service goal. The Dee were finding a lot of joy down the left with Hannah McAdam, Kerry Kennedy and Ruth Kennedy combining well to make progress. The home defence were coping well however and the Dee attacks were snuffed out before the final killer ball could be executed. Trying their luck down the right hand side, Kerry Savage and Katie Donnelly found themselves in lots of space thanks to Carolyn and Kerrie Turtle tucking in up front but again, the Service defence managed to break up the play to set their lively forwards free. It was one such break, somewhat against the run of play, which did for Donaghadee with the young centre forward taking her opportunity well to slip the ball past Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam to put Civil Service 1-0 up. Just before half time, a loose clearance from Donaghadee afforded the home team a second goal.
The second half saw lots more Donaghadee pressure, with much of the play happening in their attacking 25 but for all the chances, they weren’t able to put one away until Kerry K burst into the circle. Her shot snuck inside the Service keeper’s right hand post with Kerrie on hand to make sure. 2-1 and the opportunity of extra time if the Dee could find an equaliser. They kept on piling forward, building from the back through Claire Stewart and Suzie Ferguson and keeping things tight in midfield thanks to Ali Lawther but as has also been the way this season, Donaghadee were unable to convert the pressure or their chances into goals and it is Civil Service who progress to the semi final – good luck to them in the next round. Congratulations also to Mossley who capped a great season with a 4-0 win over Ballynahinch to earn promotion to Senior 3.
That wraps up the official match action for DLHC 1st XI but with the Antrim Sixes, training continuing every Wednesday at Bangor Grammar, the Seconds having three remaining league games – starting with their last home match against Queen’s this Saturday – and the DLHC tour to Spain at the end of April, there is still plenty going on at the Dee!
A Night at the Races
Last Saturday also saw the annual DLHC Club Fundraiser A Night at the Races. Over £2700 was raised for club funds and the committee would like to extend their thanks to the Meadowbank for hosting, everyone who sponsored races and horses and also all who came on the night – your support and generosity are very much appreciated!
Donaghadee LHC 1st XI’s last league match of the 13/14 season took place on Saturday when Ballynahinch came to Bangor Grammar. Following on from the superb performance against Cooke a couple of weeks ago, Donaghadee started this game really strongly, with the forwards Kerrie Turtle, Ruth Kennedy, Jill Dennison and Carolyn Scott having several good chances in the visitors’ circle which they were unlucky not to make count; even scoring the first goal of the match which was unfortunately disallowed after a transgression in the build up was spotted by the Ballynahinch umpire. Ballynahinch somehow weathered the initial storm and against the run of play took a 1-0 lead. Donaghadee continued to press in search of the equaliser, but the half time whistle went before any further score was added.
The start of the second half was in much the same vein with Donaghadee working their opposing defence harder. With a penalty corner awarded, Donaghadee felt the initial shot was blocked on the line by a Ballynahinch leg with the ball then seeming to rebound out against a Hinch foot. With no whistle forthcoming, the Dee played on and were rewarded for their persistence with the ball hitting the backboard to make the score one apiece. With both teams heading back to the halfway line for the restart, the Ballynahinch umpire blew for a Donaghadee indiscretion spotted from his vantage point near the halfway line and the equaliser was ruled out.
With Donaghadee seeking clarification as to why the goal was disallowed, the decision switched from a restart to a Ballynahinch hit out and, with Donaghadee still trying to regroup, the visitors took their chance to make it 2-0. Donaghadee fought valiantly to get themselves back into the match with Carolyn winning the first in a series of penalty corners after she was body checked inside the attacking 25. Ballynahinch were kept ahead by their goalkeeper who made a number of saves to thwart the Dee. With Donaghadee’s defence of Captain Suzanne Ferguson and Claire Stewart limiting Ballynahinch to one clear shot at keeper Siobhan McAdam, the midfield of Katie, Kerry S and Leona Wells were making good inroads in the middle of the pitch. With the match in its dying stages, Ballynahinch were awarded another penalty corner from which they scored, before Donaghadee finally got themselves on the score sheet thanks to sheer dogged determination from Jill at close quarters. With the league now out of the way, the Firsts are now very much looking forward to their Quarter Final Plate match away to Civil Service Seconds on Saturday.
At half time Donaghadee changed the defensive formation in order to try and combat the South Antrim forwards. Amy Long, Natasha Paxton and Alex McVeigh worked well together with Hannah McAdam moving to sweeper to protect Lisa in goal. Buoyed by the new formation and with the change in defence working well, the Dee stepped up their play in the second half and began to be rewarded for their efforts. Top goal scorer for the 2nd XI Maura managed another goal to add to her tally to make the score at full time 2-1 to South Antrim.
Thanks to Willie McAdam umpiring and thanks to South Antrim for tea and buns after the match from their bun sale. The 2nd XI’s next match is on 15th March at home to Coleraine.
Donaghadee 2XI vs Instonians 2XI: W 3-2
Donaghadee welcomed Instonians to Bangor Grammar on Saturday. In their second meeting of the season, after their first result was scoreless, both teams were out for those valuable 3 points. With the 2XI’s continuing form and the home advantage they were determined that the win would be theirs.
Donaghadee started quickly and, within 4 minutes, had won themselves and penalty corner. Maura Hennessey made no mistake and opened the scoring. The Dee kept the tempo high and placed a lot of pressure on the Instonians defence. The midfield trio of Melissa Rollo, Leona Wells and Deborah Gilmour worked hard the middle of the field to stop any attack from the visitors breaking through. A carefully worked ball from Lisa Higgins up the left found left wing Kerry Savage unmarked on the back post and she took full advantage, making the score now 2-0. Instonians weren’t giving up though and were able to break through but the defence of Amy Long, Teegan Greer, Hannah McAdam and Natasha Paxton were once again in their best form and stopped any balls from reaching Captain Lisa Alexander who bravely stepped into the pads and kickers for the injured Tina Sterling. Alex McVeigh replaced Deborah on the right and she quickly drove the ball forward to a waiting Emily Morris. Emily’s speed left the Instonians defence behind but unluckily she was denied by the keeper. Her hard work was not in vain though as Maura found the rebound and Donaghadee were now up three at the break.
Trying not to get complacent, the Dee knew now they were in a great position for the win but Instonians were not going to give up. The second half was extremely quick paced and with the luxury of having substitutes, Will McAdam was able to use the experience of Tori Rollo in defence. The Donaghadee defence were playing well and keeping keeper Lisa protected but a foul in the circle gave Instonians their first penalty corner and and a goal to bring themselves back into the game. Both teams were pushing hard, attacking and defending quickly with Donaghadee desperate to hold on to lead but another foul in the circle gave instonians their second penalty corner and their second goal. This seemed to renew their fervour but Amy, Hannah, Tori, and Teegan worked tirelessly to keep the Dee’s lead. Thankfully the whistle was blown with the final score being 3-2 to Donaghadee.
Another three points for the 2XI and, thanks to their recent form, they are slowly starting to climb their way up the league table. Many thanks to Brian for umpiring and to all our supporters, and most of all to the team who once again work hard and got the win they deserved. Next week the 2XI travel to Lisburn to face South Antrim while the 1XI are at home to Ballynahinch in their final league game of the season, pass back 1pm at the Grammar.
Tickets are still on sale for A Night at the Races club fundraiser taking place on Saturday 8th March in the Meadowbank Social Club in Donaghadee. All most welcome, with tickets also available on the door on the night.
Donaghadee LHC 1st XI have found victories hard to come by this season, but coach Brian McKee has remained adamant that it was only a matter of time before the results started matching the performances, and this turned out to be the performance of the season for the Dee – with the result to match. Donaghadee welcomed back Katie Donnelly from an injury layoff, and she immediately made her presence felt with a dynamic burst from midfield less than two minutes into the game. Her pinpoint pass found right winger Carolyn Scott unmarked in the circle and, with her first touch of the game bringing the ball under control, the winger’s second touch was to unleash an unstoppable shot across the Cooke keeper and into the far bottom corner. Cooke weren’t going to take that lying down and both teams attacked and counter-attacked looking for an opening, until after ten mins, Cooke worked their way into the Dee circle and with the keeper unsighted by the crowd of players the ball ended up in the Dee net: 1-1.
The next ten minutes were fast and flowing, end to end hockey, with chances for both sides and some good defending by Hannah McAdam and Claire Stewart, whilst Ali Lawther dominated play through the midfield helping to spread the ball wide to Katie and Kerry Kennedy as the Dee swept forward without success. Midway through the first half Cooke were awarded a short corner. A great clearance from Lisa Higgins got the ball moving wide and forward with pace, just as coach Brian McKee had been asking, with Ruth Kennedy driving down the left and with centre forward Kerrie Turtle breaking in on goal. With the Cooke keeper eliminated, Carolyn was on hand to make it 2-1.
The Dee started to dominate with less than ten minutes to go to half time and with a great attacking spell added two more, firstly Carolyn completing her hat trick and then Kerrie getting in on the act to make it 4-1. Cooke however refused to lie down and from the restart were able to get into the Dee circle almost untouched. Despite a great save by keeper Siobhan McAdam, the ball rebounded to the Cooke striker who slotted it home. 4-2 at half time.
The Dee started well in the second half as they knew it was important to keep Cooke from gaining any momentum following their goal just before half time, and quick and accurate passing out from the back through Captain Suzie Ferguson and through midfield led to another goal when Kerrie got her second and made it 5-2, pretty well killing the game off.
With the confidence now obvious, Donaghadee kept the pressure on the visitors with wave after wave of free flowing attacking play and, from a penalty corner, Carolyn made it 6-2 to Donaghadee with her fourth. Finally just after the hour mark Donaghadee were in seventh heaven as Carolyn got her fifth to make it 7-2.
What a great day (finally!) for DLHC on a day when the weather threw everything at players and spectators alike; sunshine, wind, rain and even hail stones; but when you pull off a 7-2 win the weather doesn’t really matter!
Many thanks to Mike and Will for umpiring and the supporters who braved the elements to watch. The 1st XI now have a week off before Ballynahinch come to the Grammar in the final league game of the season on Saturday 1st March, but DLHC 2nd XI are in action this Saturday at home to Instonians 2nds.
Tickets are now available for the DLHC fundraising A Night at the Races on Saturday 8th March in the Meadowbank Social Club in Donaghadee. Please see any club member to secure yours!
Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club 1st and 2nd XIs unveil the new DLHC tour fleg on the bus trip to Coleraine
On Saturday Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 2nd XI travelled to the North Coast to face Coleraine. This was a highly anticipated match as Coleraine have recently been finding some form and have been closing the gap between themselves and Donaghadee, who have also been finding their stride in recent matches. The match started out quickly with each team putting pressure on each other but the defence of Amy Long, Hannah McAdam, Lisa Alexander and Lisa Higgins kept defence tight making it hard for the Coleraine forwards to break through. Unfortunately though with a bit of confusion in the circle Coleraine snuck one past keeper Tina Sterling and the home team were ahead. Donaghadee applied pressure of their own and their hard work paid off when they were awarded a penalty corner and Maura Hennesey was on target to level the score line. The tempo of the match was raised and the midfield of Melissa Rollo, Jan Morrow and Deborah Gilmour were in constant motion as the match changed from attacking to defending very quickly. A carefully worked ball from Melissa to left wing Kerry Savage gave the Dee a chance at going ahead but the Coleraine keeper was ready to clear.
With both team fighting for the valuable 3 points the second half started with Coleraine putting pressure on the Dee defence, but Tina wasn’t allowing them any chances of going ahead, showing once again her excellent keeper skills. With the fresh legs of Natasha Paxton, Leona Wells and Jill Dennison, the Dee were once again on the break but ran into trouble with what seemed to be a rejuvenated Coleraine defence. It wasn’t long before Coleraine pushed up the pitch breaking through the tiring Dee defence. With Tina initially saving their strike, Lisa and Natasha were quick to cover her line but Coleraine put the rebound in the back of the goal. The remainder of the second half saw Coleraine under relentless attack from Donaghadee, with Alex McVeigh also coming on to play her part. With numerous chances for Donaghadee from Emily, Maura and Leona, the team knew they were in with a chance of points, bolstered by winning several penalty corners which, unfortunately, went unconverted. In the dying minutes of the match a shot from Deborah on the edge of the circle was saved by the Coleraine keeper but the rebound fell to Jill and her touch finally levelled the scoreline, to finish the match two goals apiece. Once again a well played game by everyone involved and with their form continuing to get better the team is looking forward to their next league match against Instonians at home on 22nd February.
With the Seconds having shown the way with their never-say-die attitude to earn themselves a valuable point, it was down to the Firsts to play their part in the late pass back at Ballymoney Leisure Centre but it wasn’t to be, with Coleraine scoring late in the match to seal their victory after Kerry Savage scored for the Dee to equalise early in the second half. The Firsts will be looking to try and get back to winning ways on Saturday at home to Cooke.
The club fundraiser is taking place on Saturday 8th March in the Meadowbank Social Club, Donaghadee from 7.30pm. All players have been selling horses and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy an evening of raising funds to help boost the club coffers.
Senior League 4: DLHC 1XI v Instonians L1-0
Having played Instonians only a matter of weeks ago in the second round of the Intermediate Plate, when Donaghadee 1st XI ran out 2-0 winners, it was back to Senior 4 league action for the two teams as they met at Bangor Grammar last Saturday. Traditionally Donaghadee and Instonians have had some great matches down the years, dating back to the days when both teams were fully ensconsed in their gravel pitch homes, with often the winners only victorious by the odd goal. Since then, Instonians have pressed hard for top spot in the league before suffering a couple of difficult seasons, inversely mirrored by Donaghadee’s recent history of propping up the bottom of the table followed by a very good season last year.
Instonians’ early league form was not good but their pick up in form coincided with the Dee’s visit to Shaw’s Bridge back in October and since then, they have been steadily making progress in the league, with only three points separating the two before this match on Saturday. With the match being played in the sort of weather that would have postponed one of those early gravel matches without a second thought, both teams fought to gain the ascendancy – often battling harder with the sideways rain than opponent. Following several penalty corners, Instonians took the lead through a scrappy goal which ricocheted off stick, keeper and stick again. Both teams were trying desperately to play fluid hockey but the conditions were doing their very best to thwart any enthusiasm, with sideways rain giving way to sideways hail at one point. Donaghadee were awarded a number of penalty corners in the second half but stout defence from Inst saw them cling on gratefully to their 1-0 lead and the 3 points. Many thanks to Bryan for umpiring. There is week’s break for the 1sts before both Donaghadee teams head north on the DLHC Annual Bus Trip for a double header against Coleraine 1sts and 2nds on Saturday 8th February.
Minor Plate Rd 1: Owls 2XI v DLHC 2XI L3-2 after penalty flicks
After going out of the Minor Cup, Donaghadee 2XI were drawn against Owl 2XI in the first round of the Minor Plate. The team were hoping to finally get a win after a run of undeserved defeats, but there wwere a few Dee nerves before passback as Owls currently play Senior 8, the league above Donaghadee.
The match got underway in driving wind and rain up at Mallusk. From the start the Dee made it difficult for Owls get out of their own half. Putting everything they have learnt from previous matches the team kept it tight and moved together as a unit. The full backs, Teegan Greer and Lisa Alexander made good use of the wide half backs Amy Long and Natasha Paxton and as a result the Dee were able to keep pressure on the Owls defence. Donaghadee’s first chance came as Amy drove the ball quickly up the right wing where Emily Morris was able to shake off her defender to take the ball onward into the circle but unfortunately her shot went just wide. Undeterred the Dee kept the pressure on and the next chance came from an unmarked Maura Hennessey and the top of the circle but she was denied by the Owls keeper. Owls did have their chances though but in her usual form keeper Tina Sterling was on-hand to clear, taking the pressure off the Donaghadee defence. Just before the half time break the Dee had yet again another chance; this time it came from a carefully worked ball from Alex McVeigh to midfielder Melissa Rollo who carried the ball calmly to the top of circle. Her strike just missed the tip of forward Karen Fegan’s stick and the Dee were denied again by the keeper. Jan Morrow was unmarked to accept the rebound but unfortunately the match remained scoreless.
Eager to get the result they deserved the Dee came out fighting after half time but so did Owls with the home side getting more of the ball and putting the Donaghadee defence under pressure. It was during this time that Amy sustained a nasty ankle injury and had to be taken off but thankfully Chloe Noble was on hand to replace her and, with a few changes in the back line, Donaghadee kept their composure and pressed the ball quickly and high up the field. The midfield of Melissa, Jan and Deborah Gilmour ensured the ball didn’t get through, quickly intercepting and pushing the ball to the forwards who were by this stage enjoying the fresh legs and accurate strikes of Hannah McAdam. Emily, Maura and Hannah kept the pressure on in the Owls circle but frustratingly they weren’t rewarded with a goal. With the second half quickly drawing to a close both teams were eager to get a goal so the match didn’t have to go to extra time and the dreaded penalty flicks. Each both teams playing to win made it extremely hard for either to break the death lock and the second half finished scoreless.
As it was a plate match the game then went into extra time. Donaghadee were playing the best hockey they have played all season and knew they deserved to walk away with a win. Again the Dee had their chances, as did Owls, but neither team was backing down and as a result the match went to penalty strokes, something the newly formed Donaghadee 2nds have never experienced or practised for. Bravely Hannah, Maura, Karen, Emily and Melissa stepped forward and, with Owls winning the toss, they chose to go first making Tina the first one to step into the goals. Owls opened scoring their first flick, but the Dee replied with Hannah’s accurate shot. Tina, having found her feet, saved the next two attempts from Owls and, with Maura scoring, the Dee went ahead. Unfortunately for Karen, Emily and Melissa though, the Owls keeper reclaimed her composure and denied them the opportunity to put their names on the score sheet. The final score was 3-2 to Owls. A disappointing final result but definitely not a disappointing performance as the team was outstanding. Hopefully they can carry on their good form as they return to league action next week away to Malone. Thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring.
Fundraising
Donaghadee LHC will be holding their annual fundraiser on Saturday 8th March at 7.30pm in the Meadowbank Social Club in Donaghadee. All funds raised from the A Night at the Races evening will go towards club funds to help support the two teams; everyone is welcome and all support is gratefully received, with players already selling horses and a number of local businesses sponsoring races. Tickets for the night are available in advance – please see any player to secure yours.
Donaghadee Ladies 1st XI travelled down the A1 last weekend to play Newry Olympic LHC. The Dee emerged comprehensive winners when the two teams met in Bangor in October, winning that one 5-0, but with several Newry regulars back in their starting line up, it was unlikely that there would be such a scoreline in favour of Donaghadee this time round. Indeed it was Newry who applied much of the pressure in the first half, going 1-0 up thanks to a well worked penalty corner. Although Donaghadee did manage to work the Newry keeper thanks to a shot from Katie Donnelly, there was little to trouble the home number one from Donaghadee’s perspective.
In the second half, Donaghadee started to play their way into the match a little bit more with a slight change in formation pushing two strikers further up the pitch, but the team collectively weren’t able to make much inroad into the Newry defence. Donaghadee’s defence was also working hard; indeed they survived a succession of Newry short corners, with captain Suzie Ferguson in particular doing well to turn the ball off the line to safety on several occasions. Despite the resolute Dee defending, Newry scored from another penalty corner before rounding the match off with a third for good measure. One to forget as the girls look forward to their next match on Saturday at home to Instonians, pass back 1pm at Bangor Grammar. The Second XI are away to Owls Seconds in the Minor Plate on Saturday.
The DLHC annual fundraiser has now been announced with a Night at the Races planned for Saturday 8th March in the Meadowbank Social Club in Donaghadee. Horses are available to sponsor from every club member and a good turn out is hoped for on the night as the Club raises vital funds for the coffers – everyone is welcome. If any local business would like to sponsor a race, or for further information, please contact the Club on dlhc@hotmail.co.uk, via the website http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk or on Facebook and Twitter.
Donaghadee LHC 