Write a commentNewry 1’s 4-7 NICS 1’s
Newry hosted Civil Service on Saturday in a must win game if they wanted to pip North Down to the number one spot. The home side did not start well and found themselves two down with only twenty minutes gone. However they did manage to turn it around with Mathew Russell scoring to pull one back when Kris Fletcher found him free in the centre of the circle. David Andrews got Newry’s second as he slotted home to even the scores. Newry managed to take the lead just before half time with Kyle McCombe plucking the ball out of the air before rifling home a low reverse stick shot.
It looked to be good for Newry at the break. Civil Service flew out of the traps in the second half, getting back on level terms with only 5 minutes played. Newry got another with Colin McKnight finishing from a short corner. The visitors then ran riot as they scored 3 goals in quick succession as Newry’s concentration and marking disappeared. This now means Newry can only finish second in the league.
Team: Beck, C. Henning, D. England, A. Baird, J. Greer, C. McKnight, N. McKnight, R. Irwin, M. Russell, K. Fletcher, K. McKombe, K. McWilliams, D. Andrews
Newry Olympic Ladies 0 – Rainey 2
On Saturday 7th April 2018, Newry Olympic Hockey Ladies 1st XI travelled to Meadowbank Indoor Hockey Arena, Magherafelt to play Rainey 3rds in the Ulster Junior 8A Hockey league. Newry, with their team of 12, won the toss and chose pass back against 16 player strong Rainey. For the first twenty minutes both teams fought hard and players were all tightly marked on both sides. Newry were first to secure a corner with left wing Shannen Robinson smashing the ball towards the goal which was saved by the swift action of the Rainey keeper. Newry kept possession and were awarded another corner which was quickly executed by centre back Diane McMinn-Johnston but was again foiled by the Rainey keeper. Captain Kathryn Baird took the next corner, slapping the ball at the Rainey goal but was also obstructed by the keeper. Rainey were quick to retaliate themselves, securing a corner against Newry but due to the speed of sweeper Laura Simpson, Rainey failed to get a shot on goal. At the end of the first half the score was nil all.
During the second half Newry changed their game play in order to strengthen their midfield to five leaving their centre forward Laverne Inns high in the Rainey circle who was awarded the first corner of the second half but was blocked by Rainey feet.. Sweeper Laura Simpson took the following corner but was unfortunately unable to rattle the Rainey defense. Rainey used their five subs to roll on roll off players keeping the pace of the game fast and fresh and five minutes before the final whistle Rainey struck a one nil lead by scoring into the right hand corner of the Newry goal. Rainey kept Newry under immense pressure trying to score but goal keeper Collette Lambe kept the goal covered and right back Becky Murdock was quick to tackle and clear the ball. However during the final minute Rainey found themselves once again in the Newry circle and amongst a melee of shots secured a two nil lead at just before the full time whistle.
Newry remain in the third position with four games in hand and next week are away to Newcastle.
Team: K Baird (Captain), C Lambe, (goals), D McMinn-Johnston, L Simpson, G Davidson, V Lewis, R Murdock, A Murphy, K McCullough, S Robinson, L Inns, S Smart.
