North Down narrowly beaten 2–1 in Irish Hockey Challenge Final

Both teams started very well, with many strong attacks causing both keepers to make crucial saves early on. The first quarter saw South Antrim’s first goal from a short corner which was slipped to their left with a hard slap straight to the bottom corner, ending the quarter 1-0. 

North Down came back even stronger in the second quarter. Connie Magee’s consistent pressure led to a counter attack which involved Sophie Leckie slipping the ball across the circle. Unfortunately South Antrim’s defence stayed strong and a long corner was given. North Down remained strong in their attack eventually winning their first short corner of the game. This corner evened the game with a drag flick from Sophie Leckie into the right side of the goal. It was then 1-1 at half time. 

In the third quarter South Antrim applied even more pressure pushing their centre back higher. This led to them winning another short corner which again led to a goal as the home team expertly flicked the goal into the top corner of the net. This left the score 2-1 at third quarter time.

The last quarter showed excellent work rate and determination from both teams with strong attacks from South Antrim. However, this was no match for North Down’s defence consisting of Jenna Pliauga, Caitlyn Adair, Rachael Murphy, Anna Crooks, Nadia Bell and Tara Leckie. North Down also had further opportunities in this quarter, however South Antrim’s corner defence stood strong ending the game at a very close 2-1.