Keri’s goal seals thirds win

On Saturday North Down thirds travelled to Belfast to play Knock 2nds. With the majority of the team having never played them before North Down were wary of their opposition as they had been relegated from the league above last year.

Having won the toss North Down took first pass back just as the rain started to pour down. Knock were quite strong at the start but North Down quickly settled into their game and started to play some of their best hockey. North Down easily read the Knock 16 yard hit and for the majority of the first half they spent it in their half. Great one two passes from the defense to the forwards led to a number of chances which were missed. North Down won a series of penalty corners and left back Keri Portinga got North Down’s first and only goal from a straight strike from the top of the circle. North Down spent the rest of the first half trying to get another goal but they failed to do so. 

With the sun now shining at the start of the second half North Down knew they had to keep it tight right from the start to make sure they left with three points. North Down had plenty more chances but failed to add to their single goal lead. Knock started to fight back and dominated for a period of time but with great defending from Linda Marshall and Rachel Moffatt they were denied. North Down had further opportunities from a series of penalty corners but the Knock defense cleared them all for the game to end 1-0 in favour of North Down.

Player of the Match – Megan Spence