Ladies seconds scrape through in Plate

On Saturday the ladies seconds travelled to play Banbridge seconds in the second round of the Intermediate Plate. The Comber side had previously played Banbridge on two occasions in the league, with each team winning a game so they knew that a win was achievable and were hoping to progress in the Plate.

The match started with the North Down girls playing good passing hockey, executing pressure on the home side and pressing hard to get on the score sheet. Once both teams settled, the match was a fairly even affair with both teams working hard to gain the advantage. A break came for North Down when a quick free was taken by Laura Murray who made a great run up the pitch and found Amy Kimber in the circle who slotted the ball home to give the visiting side a 1-0 advantage.

The second half saw the Banbridge side come out fighting and eager to even the score. Banbridge were using their subs well which left the North Down side feeling the pressure having a very short bench. North Down spent much of this half absorbing pressure and trying to make the most of their breaks up the pitch. Despite dominating play and numerous penalty corners, the Banbridge side struggled to get on the score sheet with the North Down girls in fine defensive form and keeper Helena Press having a superb match keeping the Comber side in the game. Bann’s break came when a net bound ball was stopped by skipper Karen Moore’s torso and the Banbridge side evened the score with the subsequent penalty stroke.

The score remained an even1-1 at full time and penalty runs followed. After the first five runs, the score was an even 3-3, the North Down side secured their place in the next round after the second round of sudden death runs.

PMB Player of the Match: Helena Press