Ladies seconds victory at Victorians

On Saturday the ladies seconds travelled to the Dub to take on Victorians 2nds in Junior League two. With several of North Down’s regular players unable to play this week, the seconds were glad of those who stepped up to play an extra match.

With a somewhat different team there was the potential for an unsteady start from the North Down side, however these fears were put to bed early with the team quickly settling into their style of passing hockey. North Down put early pressure on the Victorian defence and were rewarded within the first 10 minutes when Amy Jones opened the score sheet after slotting the ball past the keeper. Ten minutes later, a great ball through from sweeper Alex Boyd found Ali Millar who performed a great turn and beat the keeper increasing North Downs lead to 2-0. North Down continued to play good passing hockey for the remainder of the half, creating chances at goal and the defence clearing attacking play from Victorians. North Down were unable to convert their efforts and ended the half 2-0 up.

North Down started the second half with confidence following a positive team talk from skipper Amy Jones but the Victorian side came out more determined and with more fight. North Down held their own and continued to control play, winning a number of corners which they were unable to convert. Victorians started to add pressure and build momentum which saw the travelling team spending more time in their defensive half. Great work by the defence kept the Victorian side at bay and any shots at goal were cleared by keeper Chrissy McKee. North Down continued to press for another goal however the on-form Victorians keeper did well to withstand the onslaught which included a number of one on ones.  So, the second half ran out scoreless and the seconds secured a valuable three points on the road.

Report by Karen Moore