IRVINE Ladies Hockey Club 1st XI were on double time at the weekend with the long-awaited return game with the 2nds at Marress on Saturday and a home match with Giffnock 4ths just 24 hours later.

On Saturday the younger team were determined to make it difficult for their older counterparts to make the breakthrough and some good play from both sides made for an exciting game for the watching fans.
However it was the more experienced 1sts who had the bulk of the first half pressure and they finally made it pay just before half time when Kirsty Sims pounced on a rebound to sweep the loose ball home.
As play became more open after the break Irvine 2nds went on the offensive and rattled their opponents as they created several good chances but they failed to take them and it was the 1sts who forced their way back into contention before sealing a 2-0 win with a goal from Alison Sutherland.

Dame of the Game for the 2nds team was Jemma Low, Player of the Match for the 1sts was Nikki Miller.

IRVINE 1sts had plenty of first half pressure on Sunday but an improving Giffnock side showed real strength to hold them to 0-0 at half time.
However the opener finally arrived when sheer determination saw Alison Sutherland work her way in from the top D before finally slipping the ball home from point-blank range.

Five minutes later a Nikki Miller cross found Kirsty Sim in the circle and, although her shot was blocked, Marrissa Smith followed up to smash the loose ball home and clinch another 2-0 win.
Nikki Miller continues to underline her presence in centre midfield with both teams voting her Player/Dame of the Game