North Down eased out of Kirk Cup contention!

Following a good performance against Banbridge, North Down travelled to Queens on Saturday full of confidence. However a number of changes had to be made due to player unavailability and this seemed to upset the rhythm of the team allowing Queens to run riot.

The first quarter was evenly contested with both sides creating chances. Phil Wilson played a great pass to Gareth Bailie on the edge of the circle but his shot was saved. Good play down the left and a cross to the back post was just behind Scott Irwin and another chance was missed.

At the start of the second period, a poor hit into the circle was deflected past Darren Rodgers, then the left winger was allowed to run along the byline and scramble the ball over the line to make it 2-0. Two short corner goals before half time put Queens 4-0 ahead and in total control.

A similar pattern continued in the second half. Almost immediately a deflected goal increased the lead before Ross Blair had a good run into the circle only for his shot to be saved. Bailie was harshly punished for not retreating but Hunter made a fine clearance off the line from the corner attempt. The Queens corner routine was on fire and they then added two further goals to make it 7-0. A poor North Down hit out was easily cut off and the centre forward easily beat Rodgers. A ninth goal was added before the end of the quarter and suddenly it was 9-0.

Early in final quarter Queens got number 10 from a strong shot. Andy Boyd made a great run from the back but Queens defended well and within minutes another penalty corner goal completed the rout leaving the final score 11-0 making it North Down’s heaviest defeat by a team outside the top four in Ulster!

With the Kirk Cup now behind them North Down must regroup as their Premier League programme recommences on Thursday when they travel to play near rivals Bangor at the Aurora Centre at 8.00 pm.

Burch Autos Man of the Match was Ross Blair.