Tough away point at Raphoe for ladies thirds

Last Saturday North Down thirds made the long journey to take on the top of the Junior Four league leaders Raphoe seconds.

After winning the toss they started well, gaining possession and playing around the strong Raphoe forwards with beautiful 1-2 passes down the left wing. The North Down ladies dominated the first quarter, finally being awarded with the first penalty corner which was nicely cleared by the Raphoe defence line. After a scoreless first quarter the visitors came back out fighting and finally found a Raphoe foot, resulting in their second penalty corner. After a quick slap out, Laura Murray found the back board with a first strike on target putting North Down 1-0 ahead going into half time.

After what must have been stern talking to at half time the Raphoe ladies came back out with sheer determination to penetrate the North Down circle. After a questionable award of a penalty corner for a North Down player not being five yards within the twenty five, Raphoe took the opportunity and finally found the net making it 1-1 going into the final quarter. In the final period North Down felt the pressure from the Raphoe ladies as they came out in full force determined to maintain their top spot on the league table, piling on the pressure to the North down defence. After taking a quick long corner and a dubious reverse stick the Raphoe ladies found the back of the net to make it 2-1 in their favour. With the rain teaming down North Down ladies came fighting back with lovely play from the defence line, passing a ball down the line to Laura Murray in the right wing who made a beautiful cross into the Raphoe circle to find Kirsty McCrory’s stick ensuring North Down ladies returned with a 2-2 draw. An enjoyable match had by all with the ladies walking away with a smile on their faces.

Burch Autos Player of the Match was Emma Heron