Mens thirds blow it in third quarter!

North Down thirds travelled to Raphoe on Saturday with a surprisingly strong 13 man squad so maybe Raphoe’s not quite on the other side of the world as many seem to think.

When underway the visitors kept possession and attacked quickly with no fewer than 4 long corners and 3 shorts awarded. A variation slip left Bond with a great chance to put them one up however connection was lacking. Pressure was mounting and it was all North Down for 10 minutes. They thought they had the breakthrough when Sam Pyper struck a goal bound short corner only for it to strike a Raphoe foot and rocket high into the roof of the net. Celebrations were cut short and amazingly another short was awarded. Despite protests the decision stood.  The hosts started to get back into the game and long accurate balls through the midfield let a forward get the jump on Mockford and he made no mistake one on one with Adam Boyd in goal.

The second quarter was limited with chances for both teams who gradually grew into the game but it still finished 1-0 to the hosts at half time.

The second half got underway and then came the worst 10 minutes defensive display of hockey from the visitors that many had experienced. Turnover after turnover, no marking, diving into tackles and clear wrong decision making. Six goals were scored by the hosts in ten minutes and the Donegal men started to really enjoy themselves.

Into the final quarter and there was no chance of North Down getting back into the game, it was just damage limitation. Despite an improved performance, the score went to 8-0 and then 9-0 before a penalty stroke was awarded to North Down following a well struck shot from Stephen Forrest that hit a defender en route to goal. Pyper dispatched to end the rout 9-1.

Burch Autos Player of the Match was Sam Pyper.