Thirds lose in local derby

After a 3 week break the ladies 3rd XI were ready to take on local rivals Ards 3rds at Regent House. Having been previously beaten by Ards earlier in the season 3-1 the girls knew this would be a tough game. The home team started off strongly, keeping Ards out of their defending circle and had their own chances to break away and get the first goal of the game.  Towards the end of the first half Ards took the lead with a goal from a penalty corner.

At half time the girls were pleased with their performance but knew that they could hold this score. Throughout the second half North Down put in a great team performance. Goalkeeper Fiona Emerson kept the defence on their toes and made some great saves. The mid-fields and forwards worked tirelessly to try and get the ball into Ards defending circle and when they did North Down won 2 penalty corners but there was no result from these. Ards were very quick on the ball and got their second goal of the game with minutes to spare. Ards won a penalty corner in the last few seconds of the game which saw 4 North Down players against 8 Ards players around the circle. However the defence cleared the ball with ease and the game ended 2-0 to Ards.

Massive thanks to Moe Emerson for umpiring in the rain!!

report from Kathryn Rogers.