Fifths fall despite Grace’s heroics

North Down ladies fifths entertained Ballynahinch seconds at Regent House last Saturday starting with high expectations after their tremendous performance the previous week winning 4-1 against Banbridge. Having twice narrowly lost 1-0 to the Ballynahinch girls in league and cup earlier in the season hopes were high of a home victory.

Unfortunately for the Comber girls, it was one of those days!  Ballynahinch were very fit and fast and ran round the North Down defence passing to the top of the circle and there was no saving the blistering shot for a devastating early goal.  They then increased their lead scoring just before half time from a penalty corner with the first shot well saved by Grace Davis, but the rebound came to a totally free player and again the shot couldn’t be kept out.

In the second half North Down played much better with great attacking play from right back Cara McConnell and, despite winning numerous corners, somehow or other the Ballynahinch defence managed to scramble the ball away.  Their only dangerous attack in the second period resulted in a corner and Davis again made a great save but the rebound hit Kathryn Rogers on the leg on the line.  A penalty flick was given to Ballynahinch and it was well converted.  North Down did not give up and managed to win a series of short corners with Hilary West eventually finding the net with a cracking shot just before full time, a goal which sends veteran West to the top of the North Down scoring charts. There was no further scoring and the game finished a comfortable 3-1 win to Ballynahinch seconds.

PMB Player of the Match: Cara McConnell