7/12/12 Senior League 4: Mossley LHC 2-1 Donaghadee LHC

Posted on 11/12/2012 by Donaghadee LHC

1st XI

Last Friday night Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club travelled to The Glade in Newtownabbey to play Mossley LHC. Mossley ran out clear winners at the start of the season when the two sides met, with Donaghadee seemingly caught somewhat short on match practice as the league got underway. Since then however, the Dee have been quietly going about their business and have, to date, amassed 5 good wins against teams they may have struggled against in the past. Indeed with only half the season gone, there is a very good chance that the final tally will see the Dee having won more league matches in one season this term than they have done in many recent years.

Anyway, that’s for the Spring and there are plenty of matches to be played between now and then. The Dee were determined to give a better account of themselves than they did in the home fixture back in September and this was evident right from the first whistle. Mossley are a well coached and skilful side but Donaghadee gave their hosts no time to settle on the ball with the Dee defence of Hannah McAdam and Jen McVeigh neatly breaking up any Mossley attacks through the middle. The pace in the first fifteen minutes was ferocious, with both sides trying to find a way through the respective defences, showing off plenty of accurate passing and good movement. Donaghadee were finding quite a lot of joy down the left with Lisa Higgins, Katie Donnelly and Ruth Kennedy all seeing plenty of the ball. Midway through the first half, the ball was worked from this trio through Captain Ali Lawther in the centre and out to the right where Carolyn Scott and Kerry Savage combined well to advance up the pitch. Kerry was able to get a cross in which, after an initial Mossley clearance, found its way to Ruth on the back post, allowing her to add to her goal tally. Mossley pressed hard in search of an equaliser but with Suzie Ferguson and subs Emma Gray and Christine Hooks all on form weren’t able to find their way to goal.

The second half continued in much the same vein with both sides creating chances – the Dee’s centre forward Kerrie Turtle was unlucky to see a shot just shave the wrong side of the goal and there was a ball which rebounded off the Mossley post but Donaghadee weren’t able to add to the score line. Siobhan McAdam in the Dee goal pulled off numerous fine saves to keep the team in the running with her new kickers seemingly having springs on occassion, but Mossley pulled a goal back half way through the second period after a hopeful ball was crashed into the Dee circle; a Mossley stick tipped the ball just beyond Siobhan and suddenly it was back to all square. With not very many minutes remaining on the clock Mossley began to press higher up the pitch and, after a succession of penalty corners, doubled their goal count. The final score was 2-1 to Mossley in an entertaining end to end game and the Dee, though possibly a little disappointed not to take something from the game, can be pleased with how they played as a unit. Many thanks to Will McAdam for his umpiring debut. The final game for the Dee before Christmas is on Saturday (15th) at home to South Antrim (pass back time 1.30pm), which the girls will hope to win before they head to Grace Neill’s for the club’s Christmas Dinner.

2nd XI

Regular readers of these match reports will have been aware for some time that Donaghadee LHC has been enjoying fantastic numbers at training this season and, with fringe players keen to get more match practice, the committee has been working hard to secure a few friendlies. After a couple of local teams were unable to fulfil Sunday afternoon fixtures and the club just playing a couple of training matches between themselves, Bangor LHC were pencilled in as opposition for last Sunday at Bangor Sportsplex. While neither team fielded 11 players, those who did play were determined to enjoy the match to the full. The Dee started well with some great interlinking play which was not only lovely to watch but effective too. Defensive duo Hannah McAdam and Lisa Alexander played their part in clearing the ball when it came anywhere near the Dee circle, protecting Siobhan McAdam in goal. Donaghadee kept the pressure on with hard work in midfield from Emily Morris and newcomer Kerry Kennedy, with Lisa Higgins and Caroline Davison thwarting the wide attacks. With Bangor playing without a keeper, the Dee attacking trio of Andrea Girvan, Caitland Crockett and Maura Hennessey tried to get into the attacking circle as much as possible but found stern defence in the shape of Bangor’s Val McKibben and Suzanne Rea. Donaghadee managed to find a way through midway though the first half with Andrea Girvan, who scored on her 1st XI debut last month, finding the back of the net for Donaghadee.

After the switch round Bangor started to enjoy more possession, possibly having shaken some of the lethargy from the legs after the late pass back of their league match the evening before and Sophie Rea got herself on the score sheet to level things up. Shortly after, with Donaghadee understandably tiring this far in to their first competitive game, Bangor centre forward Petra Armstrong, who had threatened the Dee goal in the first half, finally found her shooting stick and added another two for Bangor. Late on in the match, the Dee had a couple of great chances to pull at least one back, but they could only find Jenny Keery hovering on the Bangor goal line. The final score was 3-1 to the Bangor XI (or XIII as it was on the day) but the scoreline was secondary on the day when Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club fielded a 2nd XI for a competitive match for the first time in 20-odd years. Thanks to Will McAdam and Carolyn Scott for umpiring and to the Bangor girls for playing their part in what was a very enjoyable afternoon. DLHC 2nd XI will be back in action in the new year when they head to Belfast to play Civil Service on Saturday 12th January, pass back 4pm.

Training

With plenty in the pipeline for both teams, there will be training both this week (12th Dec) and next week (19th Dec) before the Christmas break. With the 1st XI back in league action against high flying Holywood away on Saturday 5th January, training will recommence on Wednesday 2nd January for all club members. In the meantime the club would like to wish all players, supporters and friends of DLHC a very Merry Christmas and a happy and successful New Year – here’s hoping for bigger and better for the Club in 2013! http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk, http://www.Facebook.com/DonaghadeeLHC

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24/11/12 Senior League 4: Donaghadee LHC 1-0 Ballynahinch LHC

Posted on 27/11/2012 by Donaghadee LHC

Last Saturday Ballynahinch came to Bangor Academy for the last fixture in the first half of the season for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club. With Ballynahinch sitting in second place in the league, it was never going to be an easy game but to this point in the season, Donaghadee have put together some heartening performances, with 4 wins from 9 seeing them occupy the 5th position in the table – certainly the highest the team has been for many a year.

Some days it just clicks, and this game fell on one of those days for the Dee. There was never going to be very much in it so the Red and Green knew they would have to be on top form to take something from the match. The Dee won pass back and right from the off, the tackling, support and willing runs all over the pitch were very much in evidence. Captain Ali Lawther and Katie Donnelly bossed the midfield and distributed the ball beautifully to the forward line of Ruth Kennedy, Kerrie Turtle and Kerry Savage – the latter two of whom lead the goal tally with 4 goals apiece so far this season – and all three of whom were certainly giving their markers plenty to deal with in the opening exchanges.

Ballynahinch were proving themselves lively opposition but Hannah McAdam and Nina Wells were working well together as a unit at the back and providing the platform for spreading the ball wide to Suzie Ferguson and Lisa Higgins. It was from one such move worked from the back which resulted in a Donaghadee attacking penalty corner. The Hinch runner was out quickly to try and block the initial shot but the Dee worked their way closer to the back line, only to see the ball bounce agonisingly off the far post and away to safety. There were several other opportunities for the Dee to take the lead but the chances went begging. In fact, shooting-itis seemed to affect both teams, with Ballynahinch putting the ball wide themselves on a few occasions.

The frustration started to show on the visiting side’s part however, with a Ballynahinch player finding herself on the side line for two minutes after a green card for saying too much to one of the Union-appointed umpires just before half time. After the half time oranges Donaghadee knew that by sticking to their game plan, they could certainly come away with something from the match. More pressure from the Dee saw a free hit awarded just inside the Hinch 25. A quick pass was taken by Ali to Carolyn Scott high in the right wing position. She duly crashed the ball across a crowded Ballynahinch circle, finding Kerrie who made no mistake with this one. 1-0 to the Dee.

As can be their wont when they go ahead, the Dee perhaps started to sit back a little to try and protect the lead and this invited the visitors to press in search of an equaliser. It certainly made for a long last 15 minutes for the Dee, with keeper Laura Gibson called into action a couple of times, but the girls managed to hold on for a very satisfying 3 points. A cohesive team performance with not only the 11 players on the pitch all pulling together but both unused subs, Leona Wells and Natasha Cameron, goalkeeping coach for the day Siobhan McAdam and Statman Will McAdam on the sideline adding their support. This was probably one of the best performances of the season so far and if the Dee could put together a few more performances like this in coming matches, there’s no reason why they can’t start moving even further up the table. They’ll be looking to do just that after a week’s break when they head to Mossley on Saturday 8th December, pass back time to be confirmed. This will be a busy weekend for the club, with the Seconds hopefully getting their first competitve match against a Bangor XI on Sunday 9th December.

There may be no league action next weekend but why not head in to Donaghadee on Sunday 2nd December to cheer on members of DLHC as they take part in the 5k Santa Fun run in aid of the MRI Scanner Appeal for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. With over 30 entries for the run confirmed at the time of writing, the Hockettes will make up a good number of what will be a great spectacle of Santas careering round the streets of the Dee. For more info on the Santa Fun Run please see http://www.visitdonaghadee.com and for more info on the club you can visit http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk or facebook.com/DonaghadeeLHC

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17/11/12 Senior League 4: College Hill v Donaghadee (College Hill conceded)

Posted on 19/11/2012 by Donaghadee LHC

There was plenty of action planned for members of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club last weekend, with the Night at the Races fundraiser on Friday night, a league match on Saturday and the second 1st XI v 2nd XI on Sunday afternoon. The fun kicked off with the annual fundraising event which, over the last number of years, has been a most successful and enjoyable table quiz. For something a little bit different this year, the club decided to try their hand at horse racing so, saddled up and raring to go, the enthusiastic crowd gathered in the rugby club to cheer on their nags. Each club member had been given a number of horses to sell prior to the night, so local interest was high with great expectations of discovering a successor to Monty’s Pass.

It’s doubtful whether expectation met reality however, with every horse seemingly coming in before the one mentioned on the betting slip clutched in various hopeful fists. Undeterred, the spectators cheered, hollered, whooped, threw money at the donkey at the back with 3 legs and occasionally, just occasionally, that donkey repaid the favour and cantered his way gracefully past the finishing post. Thanks to various local businesses (The Yachtsman, Stephen Bailie Estate Agents, Regency Cars, Stanley Woods and Co accountants, Pearlow Developments, U Hire, Ards Fireplaces and Northland Developments) for sponsoring races, to the outfits and individuals who supplied ballot prizes (Grace Neill’s, Donaghadee Rugby Club, Yankee Candle, Ards Fireplaces, Regency Cars, Wrights Skips, Mr and Mrs Gordon and Mr and Mrs Kerr) and to the huge generosity of those who took part on the night, £1400 was raised for much needed club funds. This far surpasses any amount raised in recent years and DLHC would like to pass on their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the event.

Buoyed by the success of the event the previous evening, the team was looking forward to heading to Craigavon to play College Hill, a team two places below the Dee in the table prior to this weekend but, with the Co Armagh side having been deducted two points for conceding as many games already this season, there actually wasn’t much between the two teams in terms of actual matches played. How this game would have played out, we’ll never know, as a phone call from the home side to the Dee on Saturday morning stopped the red and green before they’d even set off. Again, College Hill were struggling for numbers and an umpire and, as such, were phoning to forfeit the game. They made a tentative enquiry as to whether they could reschedule the game for a few weeks time and travel to Donaghadee, but it is unlikely that the Dee will be able to secure a pitch, sharing as they do with several other local teams. The three points from this ‘win’ will see the Dee back up to 5th in the table – a great spot to be in as we approach the mid point of the season. The next match is on Saturday at home at Bangor Academy against Ballynahinch, pass back 1.30pm. All support most welcome, especially as the team is planning on showshall shirts and sammiches after the match – the more the merrier!

In the second instalment of DLHC’s developing 2nd XI, the club turned out two teams last Sunday for a friendly match. As with the match a couple of weeks ago, the committee had been hopeful of securing official opposition but in the absence of an outside team, half the DLHC players donned white with the other half in traditional red. With some players in unfamiliar positions and the whites not having a goalkeeper, it was end to end stuff with both sides having good chances to take the lead. The final score was 5-4 to the reds with everyone having enjoyed stretching the legs and getting a run out. The next game for the 2nds is on Sunday 9th December at Bangor Sportsplex.

Off the pitch, DLHC is delighted to be taking part in the 5k Santa Fun Run organised by Donaghadee Commerce and Development Group scheduled for Sunday 2nd December along a route round the Commons and through the town. The girls will be running in full Santa suits in aid of the MRI Scanner appeal for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children along with others also running for good causes – it should be some spectacle! Participants from DLHC are reminded that entry forms and £10 entry fee should be returned to John Caldwell before 23rd November and that sponsorship forms are available from Carolyn.

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10/11/12 Senior League 4: Cooke LHC 2-1 Donaghadee LHC

Posted on 12/11/2012 by Donaghadee LHC

After a break in the league for the first round of the Intermediate Cup to take place, Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club were back to Shaw’s Bridge last Saturday for the mid-table clash with Cooke LHC. Only a point separated the two sides with Donaghadee on 9 points, Cooke on 8 before this match got underway. While the weather on the day was bright and reasonably mild for November, the water-based astroturf pitch was soggy and heavy meaning the ball wasn’t travelling as quickly as it does on the Bangor Academy pitch the Dee calls home this year.

Cooke won the toss for first pass back and were quick to settle in to their game with several attacks testing out the Dee defence. It took Donaghadee a few minutes to adjust to the surface underfoot but when they did, they started to match the home side for territory and put some passing moves together which quickly advanced them into their attacking 25. The Dee had a wonderful chance to open the scoring when the Cooke keeper cleared the ball straight to Donaghadee at the edge of the circle. The resultant shot was heading just wide of the right post but was tipped goalwards by Kerry Savage, always eager improve her goal tally. There was just enough pace on the ball for it to trickle agonisingly along the line with the keeper stranded before a relieved Cooke defender swooped to clear the ball to safety.

Shortly after this escape, Cooke found themselves down at the other end of the pitch. The Dee players felt that Captain Ali Lawther was fouled on the edge of the circle but with no whistle forthcoming, Cooke played on to their forward directly in front of the Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam, getting her shot away to put the home side 1-0 up. Again Donaghadee felt somewhat aggrieved, believing that the ball had struck a Cooke foot on the way through, but the goal stood. With Donaghadee feeling that not much was going their way, Cooke doubled the scoreline just before half time.

After the turn around the Dee got back to the task in hand, with great defensive performances from Nina Wells, Lisa Higgins and Suzie Ferguson allowing the red and green to build their attacking moves. Despite several really good chances to break and isolate the Cooke defence, the Dee were unable to capitalise. They did manage to work themselves an opening though, winning a penalty corner around the hour mark after a discretion in the home circle. While the initial shot was well saved by the Cooke keeper, Ruth Kennedy was on hand on the back post the sweep in to make the score 2-1. In spite of further Donaghadee pressure that was the final score with the girls disappointed not to have got something from the game. Thanks as usual to Mike Smyth for umpiring duties.

Attention now turns to the Club’s main fundraiser for the year, A Night at the Races, which takes place on Friday evening (16th November) in Donaghadee Rugby Club. Doors will be open from 7pm with the first race starting at 8pm sharp. There are lots of fantastic prizes to be won and the Club would like to encourage everyone to join in what is sure to be a great evening’s craic to help raise some much needed funds.

The next match is away to 8th placed College Hill on Saturday (17th) when the Dee will be hoping to improve on last week’s result. The club also has a slot booked at Bangor Sportsplex for the 2nd XI on Sunday 18th November with opponents to be finalised. More information at http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk or on Facebook/DonaghadeeLHC.

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26/10/12 Senior League 4: Newcastle Nomads 6-1 Donaghadee LHC

Posted on 29/10/2012 by Donaghadee LHC

With a couple of good results and excellent team performances in the previous two matches, Donaghadee LHC set off for Newcastle last Saturday to play the Nomads in the latest Senior 4 league fixture. With a few players missing for this fixture, the team was down to the only the starting 11 this week – what a turn around for the girls to be lamenting the lack of subs!

The matches between these two sides are usually very closely fought affairs – with Newcastle scoring the winner with the final touch of the ball in this fixture last year a perfect example, but the home side has been in very good form so far this season, having not lost a game and currently sitting at the top of Senior 4. Donaghadee have been making their own progress up the table however too, and are comfortably in the top half thanks to three great wins against South Antrim, Newry and Instonians.

Whether it was the lateness of the pass back, the travelling, the skill of the home side – or a combination of all three – Donaghadee made heavy weather of this one. For the first 15 or 20 minutes of this match, Donaghadee played some really nice hockey; lots of neat interchanges, excellent support running and a couple of good chances to put themselves ahead but for some reason after this, they started to fade and began trying to hit the ball through Newcastle rather than playing round them. This suited the home side very well and the Dee found themselves penned in to their own half for much of the remainder of the game. The pressure told on three occasions in the first half for the home side, answered only by a great goal in open play from Katie Donnelly. Newcastle added another handful after the switch round leaving the final score 6-1 to the home side. A somewhat lethargic display that will hopefully now be out of the system as the team looks towards the first round Intermediate Cup match against Senior 3 side Parkview on Saturday at Bangor Academy.

DLHC 2nd XI

For the first time in round about 20 years, a Donaghadee 2nd XI took to the pitch last weekend. Readers of these match reports will know that numbers at training have been growing and the enthusiasm within the club is as good as it has been for many a year, with in excess of 20 members usually reporting for training on a Wednesday night. Those not regularly playing have expressed their interest in getting some match practice to give a focus to the nights on the training pitch. The committee has been working hard over the last month or so to try and secure a few friendlies and the first of these was scheduled for Sunday. Unfortunately the team pencilled in as opposition pulled out during the week but, rather than cancel the game, the 1st XI donned their change strip of white and provided the opponents for the much anticipated fixture. How wonderful to see enough numbers in DLHC colours for not just one but two teams – and even that was with several players missing!

In an entertaining and end-to-end game, the 1sts ran out 3-1 winners, but without a doubt the winner on the day was Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club and all the members who have made the current standing possible. With several more fixtures scheduled over the next couple of months – and hopefully with “proper” opposition for the 2nds, it’s a really exciting time for the Club. If you would like to be a part of DLHC, all new (and old!) faces, all ages, experience and abilities are more than welcome. From social hockey with half a dozen fixtures to challenging for a starting place every week in the league, there’s a spot for everyone. You can find more on Facebook/DonaghadeeLHC or at http://www.DonaghadeeLHC.co.uk or simply join us at training from 8.30-10pm every Wednesday night at Bangor Sportsplex.

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Following on from the very good 2-0 home win against Newry Olympic the previous week, when the good team work and interplay was starting to come together, Donaghadee LHC travelled to Shaw’s Bridge last Friday night to play Instonians LHC in the latest round of the Senior 4 league fixtures. The Dee were several places above their hosts in the league table before pass back, but nothing was being taken for granted in the red and green camp as previous encounters between the two teams have been tight, robust affairs. An air of caution was evident too, with several regular players unavailable due to other commitments. In testament to the good numbers now turning up to training every week, captain Ali Lawther was still able to travel with a full team and also have subs on the side line.

The match got underway in pleasantly mild conditions, though the torrential rain of previous days made the water-based astroturf heavy and a bit sticky, with the ball not travelling as far or as quickly as either team was expecting. Once the players got used to the speed of the ball, the game began to settle down with Donaghadee doing a lot of the attacking. It was almost as though the Dee were trying too hard in the early stages of the match though, with the final ball not being as accurate as it should be, or the final pass going astray at the crucial moment. Kerry Savage was unlucky not to open the scoring when a lovely strong sweep from the midfielder pinged off the far post and away from the danger area. She made good several minutes later when, for the 3rd week in a row, she slid the ball home from her usual tight angle on the right. Identical positioning, identical outcome. 1-0 to the Dee. This seemed to settle the Dee nerves somewhat and just before the half time whistle Lisa Higgins, making a great break from midfield, popped up in the circle to make it 2-0 to the visitors.
In the second half, Donaghadee kept the pressure on their hosts whose sweeper and keeper were doing much to keep the scoreline as low as possible but centre forward Kerrie Turtle managed to find herself enough space to get her shot away and make it 3-0 to the Dee. Shortly after, an infringement in the Inst circle gave the Dee a penalty corner which was duly converted by Carolyn Scott: 4-0. As the second half progressed, it was more of the same one way traffic and Andrea was next on the score sheet when she got the final touch on a melee in the Instonians circle to score a great goal to make it 5-0. The icing on the cake – with cherry on top for good measure – was provided by Natasha Cameron who calmly swept home an unstoppable shot past the unfortunate Inst keeper to make the final score 6-0 to the Dee. While the scorers may be the ones to gain the plaudits, this was very much an excellent team performance, from Siobhan McAdam in goal, Suzie Ferguson, Lisa, Christine Hooks and Emma Gray in the defensive positions; Katie Donnelly, Ali Lawther and Kerry in midfield; forwards Ruth Kennedy, Kerrie and Carolyn, and Ali G, Andrea, Natasha swapping on, everyone played a vital part in this victory. A stern test awaits Donaghadee next week when they head to Donard Park to play Newcastle, a team the Dee have traditionally found hard to break down, and it will be interesting to see how the Dee’s new found confidence measures up.
Posted on 22/10/2012 by Donaghadee LHC | Leave a comment

13/10/12 Senior League 4: Donaghadee LHC 2-0 Newry Olympic LHC

Posted on 15/10/2012 by Donaghadee LHC
JUNIORS TAKE PART IN THEIR FIRST TOURNAMENT
Last weekend saw a double bill of action for the members of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club with not only the Seniors in action in the league, but also DLHC Juniors taking part in their first ever tournament on Friday evening. Organised by DLHC in conjunction with the Grass Roots Office of Ulster Hockey, girls’ teams from Ards LHC, Bangor LHC, Knock LHC and North Down LHC all took part in this Junior tournament.
   For the Dee girls, it was the culmination of 5 weeks hard work on the astroturf at Bangor Academy, and a chance to show off their skills and pit themselves against other teams of a similar age. They faced a difficult opening game against a very strong Ards team who took advantage of their opponents’ inexperience, running out 4-0 winners. Considering the fact that Donaghadee had never faced outside opponents before, and that they played without a goalkeeper, this was not a bad result. In the next game, Lauren Fisher stepped in to the pads and kickers – never having done so before – and proved herself to be a tremendous keeper, saving numerous times in the following matches – definitely one to watch for the Dee if she decides to keep on keeping goal! Knowing they had Lauren behind them, the Dee team of Kirsty O’Neill, Loren Rutherford, Imogen Forbes, Olivia Crilly, Zara Cosh and Emily Anderson started showing just how good they are, with 0-0 draws against Bangor and North Down and losing only narrowly 1-0 to Knock, teams which all play regularly in Ulster Hockey Junior leagues. Such was the success of the tournament and enthusiasm shown by the Dee team, the club is already looking in to another Junior session in the spring, and also the possibility of running a similar tournament. Watch this space!
SENIORS IN LEAGUE ACTION
So following on from the impressive display shown by the Dee Juniors, it was up to the Seniors to try and match the effort and commitment on Saturday when they played Newry Olympic at home in the league. Last year Newry struggled for numbers – a problem Donaghadee has known all too frequently in the past – and as a result, their league position suffered, but there has never been much to choose when these two play each other. Newry were coming off the back of an 8-1 victory over College Hill the previous week, so there was an air of caution in the Dee camp prior to pass back.
   With new players Christine Hooks and Emma Gray coming in to the Dee side and Kerry Savage hot on the goal trail this season – 2 goals in the opening 3 games, the Dee have most definitely added both strength and depth to the ranks and with competition hotting up for places on the team, it’s so encouraging to see. Both teams started well in what quickly became an open, free-flowing and end-to-end game of hockey. Donaghadee probably just shaded it in terms of real chances on goal but either the final pass was overcooked or the shot didn’t quite find the target. The deadlock was broken just before half time when that goalscoring machine, Kerry, popped up close to the back line on the right hand side. As with one of her goals a couple of weeks ago, she scored from what was an improbably tight angle to put the Dee 1-0 to the good.
   The chat at half time was to keep playing the short passes and working the ball wide for runners in to space and that’s exactly what the Dee kept doing, with just reward coming towards the end of the second half when a ball pulled back from the bye-line cut out the advancing Newry keeper and found last season’s top goalscorer Kerrie Turtle – obviously in no mood to relinquish the goalscoring title to her namesake without a fight (the pair are now on 3 goals apiece)! The whole team can be very pleased with how the passes are starting to click – there was a lot of good hockey on show last weekend and plenty of excellent team work – long may it continue! Many thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring duties and to Kate of Dunn’s Footwear who sponsored this week’s match ball. The girls are next in action this Friday night when they travel to Shaw’s Bridge to play bottom team Instonians.
2nd XI
It is with great delight that, following some very barren years when players were very hard to come by, DLHC has been getting enough Senior players to training this year to organise several friendly matches for a development 2nd XI. Matches against South Antrim, Bangor, Holywood and Civil Service have already been pencilled in over the coming months and it is hoped that this will allow all club members to get some competitive game time under their sticks. Exciting times indeed for the club and a truly welcome development in the latest chapter in the DLHC history. If you would like more information on being a part of this growing club, you can find out more on http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk and on Facebook.com/DonaghadeeLHC.
Photo: Members of the team (Kerry Savage, Carolyn Scott, Lisa Higgins and Suzie Ferguson) with Kate Boyd, Dunn’s Footwear who sponsored the match ball
Image
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6/10/12 Senior League 4: Donaghadee LHC 1-4 Holywood LHC

Posted on 08/10/2012 by Donaghadee LHC

Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club were back at Bangor Academy last Saturday in the latest of the league fixtures in Senior League 4 after their good win away to South Antrim the previous weekend. This weekend’s opponents were near neighbours Holywood – always a difficult team to beat, with Donaghadee having come away with very little in previous years against their local rivals. Holywood spent last season in Senior 3 so this weekend’s encounter was going to be anything but easy.

The match passed back in unseasonably warm and sunny weather, with Donaghadee winning the toss. The first part of the opening half was fairly evenly matched with both teams feeling their way into the match, but Holywood soon started to exert a fair amount of pressure on the Donaghadee defence. The Dee held firm however and were doing a good job of clearing their lines, working the ball out to ever willing runners in the midfield and forward players. One of these runners was Kerry Savage, back playing for the Dee this season after studying in Scotland, who has really made an impact since her return – including scoring last week against newly-promoted South Antrim. Somewhat against the run of play in what was a hitherto rare foray into the opponents’ final 25, the ball was worked down the right and a crisp pass found Kerry tight on the back line. From what was a pretty improbable angle, she managed to squeeze the ball between post and keeper to put the Dee 1-0 to the good. It didn’t take long for Holywood to respond unfortunately and just before half time in a crowded home circle, the ball was crashed in from Holywood’s left, found a passing stick and snuck in at the far post. 1-1 at half time and everything to play for for both sides.
Despite their best efforts in trying to maintain their shape and keep the passing moves going, Donaghadee began to buckle under the constant pressure from the visitors who added 3 unanswered goals to their tally in the second half, leaving the Dee with no reward for their toil. This victory puts Holywood early leaders of Senior 4 and with other results from teams in the bottom half of the league not quite going the Dee’s way, sees Donaghadee sitting in 8th position. Next week should be an interesting game, with Newry – sitting directly above the Dee on goal difference only in the table – coming to Bangor for Donaghadee’s next home game. Many thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to Bow Bells, Donaghadee for sponsoring this week’s match ball.
Friday 12th October, sees the culmination of DLHC’s Junior sessions for this season with the Dee girls taking part in a Junior Tournament organised by DLHC in conjunction with Ulster Hockey. Girls’ teams from Bangor, Ards, North Down and Knock will all compete in the tournament at Bangor Sportsplex from 7.30-9.30pm and all supporters and friends of DLHC are encouraged to come and support the future stars of the club! All the info and more can be found at http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk or on Facebook.com/donaghadeeLHC.
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29/9/12 Senior League 4: South Antrim LHC 0-3 Donaghadee LHC

Posted on 01/10/2012 by Donaghadee LHC
  In the second match of the 2012/13 season, Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club headed off to Lisburn last Saturday to play newly formed South Antrim LHC. Promoted from the Junior ranks in their inaugural year last season having gone the entire campaign without losing a game South Antrim, whilst an entirely unknown proposition for the Dee, certainly looked a good prospect on paper.
  Having suffered defeat at the hands of an irrepressible Mossley – who incidentally added another 13 goals to their 2 game tally on Saturday past – in the opening week of the season Donaghadee were keen to get back out on the pitch to get their season back on track and the determination was evident from the first whistle. Welcoming back defender Nina Wells, this season’s Captain midfielder Ali Lawther, and forward Ruth Kennedy steadied the ship and the Dee started to put some good passing moves together, working the ball from the back as had been practised in training. Early chances went a-begging but the forwards stuck to the task in hand, with Ruth in particular having a storming game on the left wing. Her tenacity and skill didn’t take long to pay off – although her initial shot was saved well by the South Antrim keeper, she made no mistake with the rebound. 1-0 to the Dee before half time.
  South Antrim weren’t rolling over though and the Dee defence were kept honest by some strong running from the home side’s midfield. Jen McVeigh and Nina Wells were ably flanked by Lisa Higgins and Suzie Ferguson and these four provided good cover when required. Mention should also be made for super goalie Laura Gibson who stepped in to the pads and kickers to do the business in the absence of injured Teegan Greer and unavailable Siobhan McAdam. Laura is no stranger to the keeper kit, having played on numerous occasions over the last few years and on Saturday, it looked like she’d never been away – cool as you like when pressed into service.
  Last season’s top scorer Kerrie Turtle got her goal tally up and running against Mossley and she added another on Saturday. Closely marked for much of the match, Kerrie managed to lose her marker at the crucial moment in the second half to double the Dee’s lead after some determined play. The other Kerry – Kerry Savage, returning to the Dee this season after a spell in Scotland – added a third after she and Carolyn Scott worked their way up the right wing, with Kerry bursting in to the circle to finish a great move.
  Donaghadee once again had the luxury of subs on the side line – what a lovely habit to have – and Manager Will McAdam was able to switch the personnel to keep the legs fresh and the momentum going. Leona Wells, Carmen van der Schyff and Hannah McAdam were all used to really good effect on Saturday, with each linking in seamlessly to the play. A very good team performance and a big 3 points for the Dee as they welcome near neighbours Holywood to Bangor Academy on Saturday (6th October). Pass back is at 2pm (to be confirmed) and ex players and friends of DLHC are being invited to come and support the team with drinks and nibbles after the match in Donaghadee Rugby Club – all welcome!
  Donaghadee LHC Juniors are in the middle of their 6 week training programme and attention is now turning to the Junior Tournament being hosted by Donaghadee LHC in conjunction with Ulster Hockey. The tournament is the culmination of 5 weeks hard work put in by the Juniors and they will pit their skills against girls from the same age group from Ards LHC, Knock LHC and North Down LHC. Taking place on Friday 12th October from 7.30-9pm at Ballykillaire (Bangor Sportsplex), all current club members and supporters of the Dee are encouraged to come down and show their support for the future stars of DLHC.
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22/9/12 Senior League 4: Donaghadee LHC 1-7 Mossley LHC

Posted on 25/09/2012 by Donaghadee LHC

Last Saturday (22nd September) saw the start of the 12/13 season for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club when Mossley Ladies came to town. Playing on their adopted home pitch for this season, the astroturf at Bangor Academy, Donaghadee were keen to start this season how they finished last when they put together a couple of great wins against Ballynahinch and Newry which saw them finish mid-table – the best position they have accomplished in Senior 4 to date.

Traditionally encounters between these two sides have always been competitive and closely fought affairs and the first period of this match certainly looked like it was going the same way. The first half was true to form with both sides playing some bright, attacking hockey. Both defences were strong, however, and neither side really threatened the other’s circle. Donaghadee did have a chance or two to gain the upper hand but were unable to capitalise. Just before half time, Mossley took advantage of some scrappy play in the Dee circle and the ball caught Donaghadee on the back foot, trickling agonisingly over the line. 1-0 to the visitors at the turn around.
What then transpired in the second half is hard to describe without it sounding like a complete capitulation on Donaghadee’s part; it really wasn’t – the team has played much worse and come away with much more from a game but on this particular day, the Dee met a Mossley side taking no prisoners and it seemed to the beleaguered Dee defence that every time Mossley attacked, they scored. Donaghadee did manage to pull one back through last season’s top scorer Kerrie Turtle for the score to finish 7-1 to Mossley. Probably best to put this one down to experience, use it to get the match sharpness up and look towards next week’s encounter away to newly formed South Antrim LHC.
While the result was disappointing, what was very pleasing was that, despite Donaghadee missing no fewer than 4 first team members, the Dee not only had a full team but also subs – a few years ago, so many absentees would have led to Donaghadee forfeiting the match. Mention should go to the two debutants, Emma Gray and Christine Hooks, both of whom slotted in with ease and who both look to be a real asset to the team. Onwards and upwards!
Donaghadee LHC are delighted to announce the launch of The Deevotee, a new newsletter for all players, ex players and friends of DLHC. The Deevotee will initially be a bi-monthly publication with news, fixtures, results, dates for the diaries etc from the Club so if you have any pieces of interest you’d like included in the next issue, please contact Alison McNeice or Carolyn Scott. If you would like to receive a copy, please email dlhc@hotmail.co.uk for a copy of The Deevotee right to your inbox. For more information on this and all other club news, please visit http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk or Facebook.com/DonaghadeeLHC.
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