Another third eleven survival point

North Down thirds made the short trip to Harlequins to take on their seconds last Friday evening. With temperatures dropping by the minute, it was surprising how well the pitch held up however both teams and the visiting faithful supporters club were in for a blizzard by full time.

Fresh off the back of convincing wins, the thirds set out to continue their league survival fight and started off well with Jack Bond controlling the centre of the park. The visitors looked steady and solid at the back out but at the other end the final pass was lacking and a number of half chances could not be converted. Not surprising that, even when controlling the game, North Down went one behind with an error at the back. Something that has been typical of all season, with a chance not being converted at one end and a lucky break or mistake being punished at the other.

Going a goal down does tend to kick start this thirds team of late, and with the returning Paul Ritchie stepping up into midfield, the pressure was on at the right end of the pitch. Iain Kelly in goal denied all forwards at least once each in the first half but could do nothing when a well worked switched short found Ben Bond in front of goal to continue his scoring streak.

North Down pushed for a winner but the experienced Quins goalkeeper was quickly out and making himself big on every occasion to deny the Comber men taking 3 points. With 10 minutes to go the snow started and it made conditions tricky visually but the game was seen out to share the points. Not the result that was hoped for, but probably deserved and it may prove to be an important point.

Burch Autos Man of the Match was Ben Bond.