Ladies win in Omagh secures top place in group

North Down travelled to Omagh last Saturday for the second week in a row, this time for the final group game in the Senior Cup.

The visitors came out strongly from the start wanting to put on a better performance than the previous week. Good passing and strong play from Lauren Brown and Alex Boyd in the centre created early chances but North Down couldn’t capitalise on them. In the second quarter North Down continued to play good hockey and won a penalty corner and with a great ball out from Amy Kimber, Heather Brittain scored a lovely goal from a straight strike at the top of the circle.

Omagh were not ready to give up and came back strongly at North Down but with Caitlyn Taylor back after a week’s absence and the rest of the defence playing well, Omagh could not create any chances. North Down lost their concentration and Omagh won a penalty corner however Lauren Brown and Rachel Mornin were quick to deal with this and cleared it easily.

North Down struggled to get started in the second half and allowed Omagh to play some good hockey around the circle and create chances but keeper Helena Press was on good form and was not letting anything past her with help from defender Katie Moore. The visitors came back into it with great runs from Natalie Wallace, Selina Lewis and Bethany Burrows winning another penalty corner leading to a penalty stroke. Rachel Murphy slotted this into the left corner. With good game management and team work North Down managed to win another penalty corner.  Isla Lockhart’s shot was saved by the keeper but quick work by Heather Brittain with a first time slap towards goal let Rachel Murphy in to finish. Omagh were not ready to give up and won a penalty corner slotting it home to make the final score 3-1 and round off another successful day for North Down, who continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Burch Autos Player of the Match:  Rachel Murphy.