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Lifting the cup!
Lurgan Ladies Hockey Club21 Mar 2016 - 17:16
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Lurgan 3 Ballymoney 0
Saturday 19th March 2016.
Lurgan completed their league programme with this comfortable victory against Ballymoney at the Junior High School on Saturday. Having secured the league title on Monday night at Queens a large crowd turned up to support the champions and look forward to the presentation of the trophy which was to take place after the match. In recognition of their achievement the club also arranged for some of the younger club members to form an archway of hockey sticks to welcome the girls onto the pitch and also to carry the girl’s kit bags over to the dug out for them. With no pressure on the girls they were able to relax, enjoy the occasion and treat the crowd to some exciting hockey. Lurgan were awarded their first penalty corner after 10 minutes and Ballymoney managed to defend the initial strike but Sarah McClure picked up the loose ball, weaved along the back line and pulled the ball back in front of goal for Kerrie Burns to slam home and put Lurgan in front. Lurgan dominated possession after this with Ballymoney forced to defend deep. A 20th minute Lurgan penalty corner resulted in a retake with the ball coming off a Ballymoney foot. For this one Kerrie Burns tried her luck with a drag flick but the shot was saved and cleared.
Lurgan started the second half in fine style and Sarah McClure, who was clearly enjoying the occasion, slammed home a 37th minute penalty corner to put the home side two-up. Ballymoney had been on a decent run themselves up to this match and they gradually came more and more into the game. They won a 42nd minute penalty corner but the strike was well saved by Suzie Taylor who has had a great season. Two further penalty corners for Ballymoney in the next 10 minutes showed that they still posed a significant threat but the Lurgan defence has proved a tough nut to crack this season and they kept their discipline to keep the visitors at bay. Lurgan were keen to stage a grand stand finish for the big support and although Ballymoney managed to defend two late penalty corner awards they were unable to prevent Lurgan from adding to their total when Sarah McClure finished off a lovely switch move at a 68th minute penalty corner to complete a fine performance from the home side. After the match Elizabeth Lamont from the Ulster Hockey Union presented team Captain Charlene Hull with the league trophy which sparked off scenes of celebration from players and supporters alike. In her acceptance speech Charlene thanked Coach Robbie McMinn and manager Darwin Murray, all the supporters who had followed them all season and of course her talented team mates who had made this season such a success.
Lurgan completed their league programme with this comfortable victory against Ballymoney at the Junior High School on Saturday. Having secured the league title on Monday night at Queens a large crowd turned up to support the champions and look forward to the presentation of the trophy which was to take place after the match. In recognition of their achievement the club also arranged for some of the younger club members to form an archway of hockey sticks to welcome the girls onto the pitch and also to carry the girl’s kit bags over to the dug out for them. With no pressure on the girls they were able to relax, enjoy the occasion and treat the crowd to some exciting hockey. Lurgan were awarded their first penalty corner after 10 minutes and Ballymoney managed to defend the initial strike but Sarah McClure picked up the loose ball, weaved along the back line and pulled the ball back in front of goal for Kerrie Burns to slam home and put Lurgan in front. Lurgan dominated possession after this with Ballymoney forced to defend deep. A 20th minute Lurgan penalty corner resulted in a retake with the ball coming off a Ballymoney foot. For this one Kerrie Burns tried her luck with a drag flick but the shot was saved and cleared.
Lurgan started the second half in fine style and Sarah McClure, who was clearly enjoying the occasion, slammed home a 37th minute penalty corner to put the home side two-up. Ballymoney had been on a decent run themselves up to this match and they gradually came more and more into the game. They won a 42nd minute penalty corner but the strike was well saved by Suzie Taylor who has had a great season. Two further penalty corners for Ballymoney in the next 10 minutes showed that they still posed a significant threat but the Lurgan defence has proved a tough nut to crack this season and they kept their discipline to keep the visitors at bay. Lurgan were keen to stage a grand stand finish for the big support and although Ballymoney managed to defend two late penalty corner awards they were unable to prevent Lurgan from adding to their total when Sarah McClure finished off a lovely switch move at a 68th minute penalty corner to complete a fine performance from the home side. After the match Elizabeth Lamont from the Ulster Hockey Union presented team Captain Charlene Hull with the league trophy which sparked off scenes of celebration from players and supporters alike. In her acceptance speech Charlene thanked Coach Robbie McMinn and manager Darwin Murray, all the supporters who had followed them all season and of course her talented team mates who had made this season such a success.
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