Heavy defeat for mens thirds at Banbridge

The thirds opened up their season with a disappointing display at Banbridge fourths last Friday night in the Junior Three League Cup. They featured a new look team as the early stages of the season took their toll with a number missing, injured or just not engaged with hockey as yet!

In the early stages some bright play looked promising however many struggled to get to grips with the newly laid and latest version of an astro pitch with final passes and first touches proving difficult. Banbridge grew into the game and went one up early on. This was soon followed by a second via a well worked short corner. Just before the break a loose looping ball fell to Chris Currie who volleyed high into the net however the whistle went late and a short corner was awarded. North Down failed to convert and were two down at the break.

The second quarter was a little better with regards to the scoreline but if it wasn’t for the heroics of Peter Gray in goal, it could have been a lot more than 3-0 at half time.

The third quarter was one to forget with the more experienced Bann players pulling the strings in midfield. Gray was on hand to make many excellent saves however a constant wave of pressure on the visitors’ area was only going to result in one thing and the hosts added two more goals to make it 5-0. Heads went down and a good Bann side went on to add numbers six and seven in the final stages.

A lesson was given, difficult pitch or not, and the Comber men need to improve in all areas but well done to Sam Shaw who made his senior hockey debut in difficult circumstances.

Burch Autos Player of the Match was Peter Gray.