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Ards 1st xi 0 Lurgan 1st xi 1
Ards knew this was going to be a big match with Lurgan only a couple of points ahead of them in the league and both teams fighting it out for IHL qualification places.
Ards started strong, keeping good possession of the ball and created a number of chances with clean shots on goal, however the Lurgan defence stood strong and kept their goal intact. The majority of the play was played between the two 25s with neither team managing to break the deadlock. Ards defended well with some good channelling and tackling from Naomi Elliott and Janice Vaughan. School girl Francesca Brown had a super game in defence with some surging runs up the right side causing Lurgan problems however the midfield could not quite find the ball to unlock the Lurgan defence and the game was locked in stalemate for long periods. By half time neither team had managed to score but Ards went into the interval fractionally ahead in terms of possession.
In the second half the match took a similar format with play mostly in the middle of the pitch. Lurgan started to turn over more possession and won a number of penalty corners. It was from one of these that they eventually broke the deadlock scoring with a deflection on the post with ten minutes remaining. Ards upped their work rate and tried frantically to get a goal, Sara Alexander missed narrowly from close range but Ards could just not get the equalising goal. Ards were bitterly disappointed with the result as they felt they played well but did not have the attacking flair in the final 25 to capitalise on their possession.
Ards 2nds 1 Pegasus 2nds 1
Ards played well as a unit on Saturday afternoon with the midfield linking the team well to allow constructive play with good passes and effective runs made. The numerous opportunities in the attacking circle came and went with no return. This meant that the half time score was 0-0 with the Pegasus ‘keeper having a telling role. Ards introduced the experience of ex-Irish international Tamara McCleod working her way back from maternity leave as well as new young players including Ashleigh Kennedy and Kerry Long. It was a 2nd XI regular Helen Ritchie who put Ards into the lead with a cracker goal on the overlap fired in to the bottom left corner. Pegasus struck against the balance of play when they replied with a similar goal in the bottom left corner. With the game in balance both teams had everything to play for, and although Ards did dominate in terms of chances this was not reflected in the final score, 1-1.
Ards 3 Harlequins 2
Ards played rivals Belfast harlequins on Friday night to successfully secure 3 points beating them 3-2. Ards had to work hard to defeat the Belfast side as it was Harlequins who claimed the opening goal in the 12th minute from a well injected ball into the circle that was tapped into the goal on the back post. Ards' forwards applied a steady pressure that eventually wore down Harlequins defence when Sara Alexander scored her debut goal for the club taking an excellent rebound from the keeper and confidently placing it in the back of the net. Ards secured their second goal 5 minutes before half time when the talented Hannah Coey skilfully stole possession from Harlequins defender to slot a ball past the keeper.
Harlequins came out fighting hard in the second half however it was Ards' Janice Vaughan who scored the 3rd goal of the game from an excellent deflection in a short corner routine. It was the Belfast side who claimed what turned out to be a consolation when experienced Jenny McDonagh crashed an excellent ball at the post which was deflected with ease past Ards keeper with 8 minutes remaining of the game. Ards did retain good possession to close out deserved winners. Ards need to retain their form this Saturday when they will play more ambitious league rivals Lurgan.
Ards 2-1 PSNI
Ards seconds played a dominant game of hockey on Saturday resulting in a win against PSNI’s 1st XI who are a few leagues above the young Ards side. Ards played and pressed well for much of the opening half. However, it was during a defensive period, Ards looked certain to concede when Hannah Simpson miraculously pulled off a fantastic diving save to the delight of the supporters and team mates. Despite this career-epic moment, Simpson was unable to prevent the PSNI registering the opening goal from a penalty corner.
Ards stepped up their game even further in the second half and this was to be rewarded when Jessica Ross belted in a goal from a straight strike in a penalty corner. With the game back in balance, the match became increasingly intense though Kerry Long, a debutant at this level and Becca Ambrose, new to the position of defence dealt efficiently with the situation allowing Ards to attack and create a number of goal opportunities. Becky Weir was to score an excellent winning goal to allow Ards to go through to the next round in the Plate. This was best described as a physical game but to their credit, the younger Ards team proved capable of competing against this more abrasive style of play and came out delighted winners.
Ards 3rdXI 1- 0 Holywood 2ndXI
On Saturday Ards 3rdXI kept up their challenge for promotion from Junior 6 with a hard fought win against local County Down neighbours Holywood at a cold and windy Ashfield School. Ards started the better of the two teams and always looked the most likely to win this encounter, however, the Holywood sweeper marshalled her defence well and Ards found it hard to breakthrough, whilst at the other end the home team always looked as if they could cause Ards problems on the break. Ards nearly opened the scoring with only 10 minutes gone when good work on the left between Rachel Falkiner and Jess Moore saw the latter create a chance for Sarah Louise Busby, however, her first time shot glanced off the keeper’s pads and deflected to safety. With 5 minutes left of the half Ards got the goal they deserved when they again turned defence quickly into attack and as Sarah Louise Busby carried the ball into the Holywood defensive quarter she neatly passed the ball through to Jess Rollo who slipped her shot passed the outcoming keeper to give Ards a slender 1-0 half time lead.
The 2nd half followed the same pattern as the first with Ards making most of the play, the Holywood defence being up to the task and relying on creating chances on the break. Despite having their lion's share of the possession Ards only created a couple of really good scoring chances and both Stacie Lappin and Natalie Bronkhorst were unlucky to see chances go close, however, the score remained unchanged giving Ards a slender 1-0 victory. Congratulations to Gemma Adair this week's player of the match.
Ards 5th XI 4 Instonians 2nds 0
A youthful 5th XI hosted Instonians 2nd at Ards Leisure Centre on Saturday and secured all 3 points with a magnificent 4-0 win.
Ards started the game strongly but were unable to capitalize on their early possession. The visitors started to apply pressure and the home team found it difficult to clear their lines. Nicole Lyons played well in the heart of the Ards defence and her excellent positioning and awareness meant that Instonian’s found it difficult to find their forwards. Rebecca Welsh, playing her first game for the senior club, slotted seamlessly into the Ards defence which played exceptionally well as a unit.
Ten minutes into the first half the visitors were awarded a penalty corner only for it to be lifted illegally and therefore their shot was disallowed. This seemed to spur the home team on and Kirsty Boobyer had a number of excellent runs on the left to trouble the opposition including the goalkeeper on several occasions. Ards did
dominate the rest of the half and went into the break 2-0 in the lead.
The second half continued with Ards playing the best hockey and passing the ball about with confidence. The team spirit and willingness to work for each other was evident in the fact that 4 different players scored goals – Kirsty Boobyer, Leanna Thompson, Player of the Match Jenna Frazer and Taylor Wilson.
Ards Ladies Hockey Club
Ards are All Ireland Indoor Champions Again!
Women’s Electric Ireland National Indoor Trophy final
Ards 3 Hermes 2 (after golden goal extra time)
The women’s National Indoor Trophy will stay in Ulster for another year as Ards claimed their first senior All-Ireland title since the 1990 national indoor success as Katy Bennett (Fraser) netted a golden goal on the stroke of half-time of extra-time. The former UCD player flicked through a crowd of defenders from a corner on the hooter to bag her second of the game and the crucial moment in a tight final against Hermes.
It was the first time they had led, falling behind just before half-time when Hermes scored from open play. The lead lasted just four minutes as Bennett fired home from Ards’s first corner of the second half to put the game in the melting pot once more.
Orla Patton re-established the advantage in the 26th minute for Hermes but youth Olympian Chloe Brown’s sharp effort levelled once more with eight minutes remaining. Ards Captain Naomi Elliott played in a quick pass to the top of the circle where Brown – playing with heavy bandaging on her head after a semi-final ball struck her – smoothly controlled and flicked high past former Irish keeper Mary Goode.
Tit for tat throughout most of extra-time, Ards nabbed a corner 35 seconds from half-time and they ran out the clock before pushing to the top for Bennett to zip home the winner much to the joy of the small squad and supporters of Ards.
Ironically, one of those supporters, Helen Johnston of Railway Union, had scored the winning goal in the 1990 3-2 victory over Randalstown or Ards after Gillian Murphy had brought the teams level with two goals in quick succession in what was similar drama at the packed Valley Leisure Centre all those years ago. This time round Ards had earlier beaten Railway Union 3-2 in the semi-final in an absorbing game with critical group victories over Galway and Old Alex in the Saturday matches. Clearly the 3-1 defeat to Hermes in the Saturday group encounter had not proved an obstacle to the tremendous improvement these girls and their coaches have made in short space of time as they turned the tables in the space of 24 hours to win the Irish title. Ards pulled the punches despite a small traveling panel of eight for the six-a-side games to annex the crown and a place in Europe in the spring of 2013.
Ards take over the mantle as champions from Armagh, a side they eliminated in the December Ulster group phase by just a couple of goals scored after points and goal difference separated the pair. In emulating the success of the 1990 vintage, who played a lot of indoor hockey with several Ards girls with repeated Ulster and Irish caps in Home Countries and European championships, this new brigade will need financial support to both prepare and travel to their European venue. The Ards team of the 90s was due to go to Amiens in France to represent the town and the country but the venue ran into difficulties at the last minute and the opportunity was lost. It is hoped that with a lot of hard work and hopefully local financial support the current girls can fulfil this European dream.
Ards: Naomi McKnight, Lynn Mills, Caroline Adams, Heather McClurg, Naomi Elliott, Katy Bennett, Janice Vaughan, Chloe Brown. Coach: Gareth Grundie, Manager : Phil Mills.
Ards 2nds 2 Lisnagarvey 2nds 3
Ards seconds took centre stage again on Saturday afternoon against Lisnagarvey who had previously beaten the home side 2-0 in a disappointing game at the start of the season. However, Saturday’s game consisted of good, competitive hockey and remained in balance throughout with penalty corners at both ends of the pitch. Robyn Larmour within minutes of the game looked startled when as a defender she found herself in the attacking circle so won the corner! As the half progressed Ards were then unfortunate to go down 1-0 and soon afterwards an extremely unlucky incident (where the post had initially saved Ards) saw the ball rebound into the path of opposition for them to score again. Half time score of 2-0.
Ards came out in the second half with captain, Vikki Reid leading the way by scoring with quick reflexes into the bottom left hand corner. The next goal followed within minutes and it came from Ards Amanda Houston to bring Ards right back into the game at 2-2. However, despite, Francesca Brown in particular defending well it was Lisnagarvey who were to capitalise and score the crucial and final goal from a penalty corner. This was a devastating blow to the young Ards side who were hoping to get some points out of this match.
Ards 3rdXI 3 - 0 Dromore 4ths
On Saturday Ards 3rds xi maintained their challenge at the top of Junior 6 with a hard fought 3-0 win against Dromore. From the outset Ards looked the better team and had the better of the early exchanges with both Ashleigh Kennedy and Natalie Bronkhorst creating chances to take the lead but unfortunately their efforts were narrowly wide of the Dromore goal. For their part Dromore showed plenty of determination and created some problems for Ards at the back but Zoe Bronkhorst and Kerry Long ensured that any danger was dealt with effectively and with little fuss. Ards continued to press forward in the first half and it looked as if it would only be a matter of time before they took the lead, however, Dromore's keeper pulled off a couple of good saves to keep the scores level at half time. Ards upped the pace in the 2nd half and continued to put pressure on the visitors defence and won a series of penalty corners from which they scored their 1st goal of the game. Following a good shot from Sami McClements the ball rebounded to Natalie Bronkhorst who fired the ball towards the goal and the unfortunate keeper saw the ball squeeze in at the far post having made a point blank save. Getting the goal forced Ards forward and although Dromore created several chances in the 2nd half most of the play was in their defensive half and Ards increased their lead and secured the points with 10 minutes left of the game when strong running from Nicci Shepherd again resulted in a chance for Natalie Bronkhorst who doubled her tally for the day when she swept the ball home from close range. Ards continued to press forward and scored their final goal in the last minute of the game when Ashleigh Kennedy pounced on a loose ball in the middle of a melee in front of goal and nudged the ball home.
Congratulations to joint Players of the Match Natalie Bronkhorst, Kerry Long, Ashleigh Kennedy and Nicci Shepherd.
Ards 4ths 1 PSNI 2nds 0
The 4ths played the return match of the season against PSNI on the gravel at Portaferry Road on Saturday afternoon. Ards started strongly with most of the possession with great play up front by Ali Carson, with Ards putting lots of pressure on the PSNI goal throughout the first half. Although they had many shots on goal and a couple of penalty corners, the PSNI keeper was particularly strong keeping a clean sheet throughout.
In the second half, PSNI did not trouble Ards too much and were confined to a few breaks, but great defensive play from sweeper Alex Paden ensured any danger was quickly averted. Laura Sinnamon and Corriander Geddis proved too difficult a hurdle for the visiting forwards as the match progressed.
Ards pressure was finally awarded however when a free hit taken into the circle by Sami Clements was pushed over the PSNI goal line by Kirstie Boobyer three minutes before the final whistle.
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Randalstown 1sts 1 Ards 1sts 0
Ards had a disappointing 1-0 Premier League defeat against rivals Randalstown on Saturday away in Antrim. Despite early pressure from an eager Ards side with 3 penalty corners in the opening 20 minutes, Ards were unable to convert any of the goal scoring opportunities. Catherine Elkin was a key player for the Randalstown side as she played a number of through balls for forwards to run onto and in the final 15 minutes of the game it was a dangerous ball from Elkin that led to the side winning a short corner. Randalstown managed to capitalise on a defensive error from Ards by slotting the ball past the keeper from close range to make the score line 1-0. Unfortunately it was not to go Ards' way as top goal scorers Katy Bennett and Chloe Brown both had chances and both narrowly missed. It was a disappointing defeat considering the fact that Ards had a 3-0 victory against this team in mid December. It will now put pressure on the side to win remaining league matches if they are to qualify for the all Ireland league next season. This weekend Ards will turn their attentions to the all Ireland indoor weekend, if successful Ards will compete in the European league next season. Details are as follows:
Two ladies groups are being held on Saturday (one in Gormanstown and one in Loughlinstown) with the top two from each group go through to semi finals on Sunday.
Ladies Final Group A Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin, Saturday 14th January;
13.15pm Galway v Ards, 16.00pm Ards v Hermes, 17.50pm Ards v Old Alexandra
A venue in Tallaght, Dublin holds the deciders on Sunday 15th January 2012 with the Women's Semi Finals at 12.00 noon (Winner Group A v Runner Up Group B) and at 14.00pm (Winner Group B v Runner Up Group A). The two successful teams will compete in the Women's Final 16.00pm.
Ards 2nds 1 Harlequins 2nds 4
A young Ards team started off brightly despite their long lay-off and began exerting pressure from the outset. An early penalty corner award brought the opening goal for Ards with a ferocious strike by Jessica Ross flying past the ‘keeper. Sadly, the lead was not sustained for long as Harlequins forced a corner shortly afterwards in reply and in a reverse move the ball was switched back to the wide player to score from short range. Ards forced a few more set piece opportunities of their own but with no return. The visiting forwards did threaten on the break but a combination of panic covering and alertness from Hannah Simpson held them at bay until two minutes before the break when the speedy Frankie Brown was just too late in making the cover tackle and Simpson was beaten by a mis-hit shot.
A slight defensive change at half time reduced the likelihood of a breakaway Harlequins goal but did not prevent a score from the middle of the circle following an attack down Ards left flank. Ards pressed for a good 10 minutes when the score was at 3-1 but saw two penalty corner attempts scrambled off the Harlequins line. The killer blow came in the last 5 minutes and put the game well beyond doubt when a forward broke through on the right to score from a narrow angle. The final score was disappointing but did reflect the more experienced team’s ability to absorb pressure and still pounce on opposition mistakes to make it count.
Ards 3rd xi 3 Lisnagarvey 3rds 2
On Saturday Ards 3rdxi ran out relatively comfortable winners against
Lisnagarvey in their first league match of the new year. Playing on the
gravel at Portaferry Road Ards started well and created the better of
the opening chances, however, the 'Garvey keeper had a great game and
despite the chances they created the home team found it hard to gain
the advantage they deserved and the half time score remain 0-0. Ards
continued to push forward in the second half and within 5 minutes of the
restart they took the lead they deserved when Sarah Louise Busby showed
great determination to force the ball home from close range after the
keeper had make two good saves in close succession. Lisnagarvey for
their part always remained in the game and Zoe Bronkhorst had to remain
vigilant at sweeper to ensure the Ards defence remained intact. Ards
continued to press forward and were rewarded when they stretched their
lead half way through the half. Rachel Falkiner combined well with
Natalie Bronkhorst who turned the ball into the path of Jess Rollo and she neatly slotted home from a narrow angle. The remaining 10 minutes were
relatively even and both teams traded goals with Jess Rollo again
making good use of the through ball when she again ran clear of the
defence and pushed the ball passed the advancing keeper with ‘Garvey
scoring a consolation goal in the final minute to leave the game 3-2 to
Ards. Congratulations to Rachel Falkiner, this week’s player of the
match.
Ards 4th 4 Grosvenor 4ths 0
The 4ths played their first match of 2012 against Grosvenor at the Ards Leisure Centre on Saturday. Ards started strongly with most of the possession and after pressurising the Grosvenor goal with several missed opportunities, Sara Louise Baird was finally rewarded for her efforts, 1-0 to Ards. Ashleigh Kennedy got the second goal of the day, pushing in a cross from Claire Briggs just before the half time whistle.
Grosvenor came back fighting in the second half but the defence handled any danger well with some good saved from keeper Paula Hooker and good play by sweeper Alex Paden. Defenders Laura Sinnamon and Corriander Geddis continue to play with authority. Ards got their 3rd and final goal of the match 5 minutes before the final whistle with Claire Briggs flicking it over the ‘keeper’s head who had gone in for the tackle with both feet but ended up on the ground. A great win for Ards who are still top of the Junior 7 table.
Ards 5th xi 2 Bangor 2nds 0
Ards 5th xi got back to winning ways this week when they beat Bangor
2nds 2-0 in a fairly competitive game played at Portaferry Road. A
combination of youth and experience gave Ards a solid base for the game
and it wasn't long before they took the lead. A good move on the right
between Cara Mae Bailie and Leanna Thompson saw the ball break free in
the circle and the ever alert Jenna Frazer pounced on the loose ball
and neatly slotted it past the Bangor keeper. The game was a fairly even
affair throughout and Joan Sterritt and Nicole Lyons were called upon
several times to make timely interceptions in the Ards defence to
ensure the home team retained their slender 1-0 lead going into the
second half. The second half again proved a competitive encounter, one
which either team could have won. Ards just had the edge going
forward and Kirstie Boobyer and Cara Mae Bailie in particular pushed
into attack to try to increase the Ards advantage. With 10 minutes left
Ards secured the three points when a solo run by Kirstie enabled her to push into the circle and her strong flick from the edge of the circle evaded the Bangor keeper to leave the final score 2-0.
Congratulations to Jenna Frazer this week’s player of the match.
With the fixtures all decimated last weekend due to the frost there is a better chance of activity this weekend with the current 1st XI squad due to compete in an Indoor hockey championship for the first time. Ards, of course, have a strong history in the indoor game with a record six Ulster championships in a row and an All-Ireland title with a number of key players in the past representing Ulster and Ireland on numerous occasions in various UK and European venues. It is hoped that the current batch of players benefit from the experience and, at the same time, keep the fitness and match sharpness that indoor provides to transfer back onto the astroturfs in the New Year.
Ards Ladies Hockey Club
Ards 1st X1 disappointedly lost 5-2 to Lurgan on Saturday. Due to various reasons Ards were missing a number of experienced senior players. Despite this, it was Ards who initially took the lead in the game when Chloe Brown superbly converted a short corner opportunity. Ards continued to look threatening & worked hard to retain pressure on the Lurgan side. Lurgan however had their own strategies to cope with such pressure and managed to equalise 15 minutes before half time. With the scoreline back to dead lock it was Lurgan's Jo Wilson who claimed the leading goal to leave the score 2-1 at half time. Ards came out fighting with Emma Lindsay & Hannah Coey both displaying sterling work rates, Ard's Caroline Adams narrowly missed a short corner conversion that could have brought them back into the game. Again Lurgan displayed determination & strength when Lurgan's Jo Wilson claimed 2 more break away goals from excellently injected balls into the circle. Ard's continued to fight to the end, a determined Chloe Brown skillfully slotted a straight strike past the keeper from open play in the last 10 minutes of the game to make it 4-2 to Lurgan. Unfortunately this was not the last goal of the game; Lurgan's star player Jo Wilson controlled an excellent cross ball into the circle to hammer it past Ard's keeper. A disappointing performance that the Ards side hope to move on from as turn their attentions towards playing Pegasus this Thursday.
Ards 2ndXI 2 Lurgan 2ndXI 4
With the loss of a few key players to the 1stXI, this was always going to be a tough match. Both teams started strong, with breaks into opposing circles. Lurgan struck first within ten minutes, caused by a lapse of concentration in the Ards defence. Ards didnt let this unsettle them, with an opportunist goal almost directly after the re-start from Amanda Huston. Lurgan came back hard, putting Ards under pressure. However, it was Ards who score next, with an excellent skilful run through the circle by Jess Ross, leaving the score at half time 2-1. The second have started much like the first, with chances by both teams. Ards began to suffer, with a lack of subs and a series of injuries, which Lurgan capitalized on, resulting in a goal. The loss of Hannah Wishart, one of Ards main backs, saw Lurgan push ahead, scoring another two goals by the end of the game. Although this was a hard fought match from the Ards team, Lurgan proved to be the better side on the day.
Ards 3rd xi 2 - 1 Coleraine 3rd xi
Ards entertained an experienced Coleraine team at Ards Leisure Centre
and eventually ran out 2 - 1 winners in a keenly contested game. Ards
started the game the better of the two sides and forced the visitors
onto the back foot early on with Jess Moore, Jess Rollo and Stacie
Lappin all creating early chances but the Coleraine defence held firm
and competently dealt with the danger. At the other end Coleraine
relied on creating chances on the break but once again this week Zoe
Bronkhorst produced some excellent tackling to thwart any danger. Ards
persistence eventually paid off and they scored the first goal of the
game through a penalty corner when Jess Moore found Kerry Long at the
top of the circle and her first time shot found the back of the net.
Just as it looked as if Ards would go into the break in the lead they
were pegged back deep in their half and following a skirmish on the
goal line the ball squeezed over the line into the Ards goal, leaving
the score 1-1 at half time.
Ards became at bit unnerved by the Coleraine goal and their play became
a bit scrappy in the second half allowing Coleraine to get back into
the game and the game could have gone either way as both teams pushed
forward in search of the winning goal. Coleraine created some good
chances but the Ards defence remained steadfast and cleared their
lines. At the other end Ards continued to create chances on the break
and it was from one of these that they eventually got the winning goal
after a cross inside the circle took a deflection off a defenders stick
and
found the back of the net to give the home team the three points.
Thanks to Elaine Larmour for umpiring and congratulations to Kerry
Long, Rachel Falkiner
Gemma Adair and Nikki Shepherd who all shared this week's player of the
match.
Ards 4ths 4 Ulster Elks 4ths 0
The 4ths travelled to Jordanstown on Friday night to play the first round of the cup against Jordanstown Elks 4ths. The first half ended with neither team managing to score. After half time Ards immediately looked like the stronger team and within minutes Laura Sinnamon scored the first goal of the match. Ards continued to push forward and were awarded a continuous flow of penalty corners. Sami McClements scored the second goal of the match and the team got increasingly confident. When the ball did go into the Ards defensive area the defenders cleared every ball strongly. Maggie Sinnamon scored the third goal and a few minutes before the end of the match Claire Millar put in the last goal of the match. Player of the match was jointly awarded to Sarah Louise Busby and Sarah Louise Baird for their strength of play and determination pushing the team forward.
Ards 5th XI 0 -1 South Antrim 1st XI
Ards 5th XI travelled to Lisburn on Saturday to play an experienced South Antrim 1st XI in an entertaining game which either side could have won. South Antrim started the better of the two sides and put the Ards defence under early pressure, however, the Ards defence was fairly steadfast and resolute and comfortably cleared the danger. It took Ards a while to get into their stride and they found it hard to break through the home side's defence, however it wasn't long before the midfield of Cara Mae Bailie, Lucy Yourston and Molly Brett got to grips with the speed of the game and started to push Ards forward. Ards could have taken the lead just before the interval when a good run on the left by Kirsty Boobyer led to a melee in the South Antrim circle and despite getting to the ball first Jenna Fraser was unable to convert the chance, leaving the half time score 0-0. The 2nd half was again an even affair with both teams playing attacking hockey and going in search of the opening goal and it was South Antrim who finally broke the deadlock. An Ards attack on the left broke down and the home team broke swiftly out of defence down the right hand side, their right wing rounded the Ards defender and slotted the ball past the Ards keeper from a narrow angle. Ards refused to let their heads drop and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, however, despite several good chances from Jenny Leslie and Kirsty Boobyer the South Antrim defence was up to the challenge and their goal remained intact. Final score 1-0 to South Antrim. Despite narrowly losing the team can be, once again, proud of their performance and determination and were unlucky to leave Lisburn without anything to show from the game. Congratulations to Cara Mae Bailie who was this week's Ards player of the match.
Ards 2nds 0 Greenisland 2nds 1
Ards went out strong against Greenisland despite missing a number of key players due in part to the ‘double dose’ of Regent and Strathearn formals the night before. The game was even and remained competitive throughout with Robyn Larmour making good tackles and clearings to save Ards from any danger. Ards were unfortunate to then concede in the second half from a penalty corner deflected off a defender to the delight of the opposition. Ards had many chances and numerous penalty corners in their favour though Greenisland held out strong leaving the Ards team disappointed with their loss.
Ards 3rd XI 4 - 1 Kilkeel 2nds
Ards 3rd XI hosted league leaders Kilkeel 2nd XI in a very entertaining game at Ards Leisure Centre on Saturday. The game, which was played at a great pace throughout, saw some fine attacking hockey from both teams and with the home team making the best of the chances they had they ran out 4-1 winners. Ards started the better of the two teams with the midfield in particular stamping their early authority with the majority of the attacking play going through Sarah Louise Busby and Laura Walker. Ards took the lead ten minutes in to the game when strong running from Jess Rollo resulted in a chance from close range which Ashleigh Kennedy turned in with a neat reverse stick hit. Kilkeel were always a dangerous threat, especially on the break, when their fast running forwards got in behind the Ards midfield and defence on numerous occasions, however, Zoe Bronkhorst made some crucial tackles and Nicola Patton pulled of a couple of crucial interceptions. Ards increased their lead, and gave themselves a cushion just before half time when a good move down the right saw the ball rebound in the circle to Natalie Bronkhorst was on hand to neatly slot the ball past the Kilkeel Keeper. As both teams started to tire in the second half it was inevitable that mistakes would creep into the game, however, Ards were fortunate to be able to call on the services of Gillian Murphy to not only come on and make a difference but also to be able to give the midfield players a well earned rest and this certainly helped Ards in the quest to secure the 3 points. Ards extended their lead in slightly controversial manner when a forceful run from Murphy saw her just creep into the circle before unleashing an unstoppable shot and umpire Chittick awarded the goal to the annoyance of the visitors who felt the strike was from outside the circle. Kilkeel changed their formation slightly and pushed forward in search of something from the game and were rewarded with a goal from a well worked move down the centre. Ards, however, weren't finished scoring and they completed a fine performance when a great move started by Rebekah Munn saw her pass reach Gillian Murphy who swept the ball through to Ashleigh Kennedy who slotted the ball home on the far post leaving the result in no doubt. Well done to all for their effort and hard worked and congratulations to Rebekah Munn and Laura Walker, this week's players of the match.
Ards 4ths 5 Priorians 3rds 1
Ards travelled to Priorians on Saturday 12th November as league leaders, hoping for a win to continue their stint at the top of the Junior 7 table. Ards started off as they meant to continue, with Claire Briggs scoring in the first minute with a strong pass from Maggie Sinnamon to Kirstie Boobyer who had a fantastic run up the wing, passing it into the circle for the goal. A clearly unnerved Priorians fought back pushing up into the Ards half, but an excellent defensive performance from Corriander Geddis and goalkeeper Paula Hooker ensured they couldn’t get on the score sheet. Ards however, continued to dominate the first half play and Claire Briggs and Kirstie Boobyer scored another 2 goals from before the half time whistle, bringing the score at the interval 3-0 to Ards. Ards still remained fresh and determined in the second half, with Claire Briggs scoring her third goal of the day from a hit into the circle from Jessica Bush and centre forward Maggie Sinnamon getting on the score sheet 10 minutes before the end of the game after a run into the circle from Cara May Bailie. With 5 minutes to go, Priorians were awarded a penalty corner from which they scored, but they left it too late for a comeback and Ards proved too strong an opposition. Final score 5-1 to Ards.
Saturday 29 October 2011
Following last week’s defeat, Ards 1st XI entered Saturday’s game against Ulster Elks
knowing they needed to gain vital points in this match. As always matches between these two sides are always very closely contested, and with all of this in mind, Ards started the game the strong, dominating the possession which led to a brilliant peace of individual skill from Chloe Brown to take the ball from inside her own half and claim the first goal of the game in the 10th minute of play. However, they were unable to hold on to their early lead, when an Ards penalty corner broke down and the home side were able to capitalise on an outnumbered Ards defence. Ards continued to press for another goal, but were unable to break a strong Elks defence until the end of the first half when a well worked penalty corner was converted by Chloe Brown to claim her second goal of the game.
Ards started the second half strongly, but despite this Elks responded with a goal after a controversial decision from the umpire to bring the came back on to even terms. With some good play from midfielders Emma Lindsay and Katy Bennett, Ards continued to put pressure on the Elks defence, winning a further two penalty corners, in the first of which, Caroline Adams was denied a goal when she narrowly missed and hit the post. The second was scored by Janice Vaughan who deflected a perfectly placed cross from Caroline Adams into the goal to take Ards ahead once more. Ards defence were kept busy as Elks pressed for the equaliser, and remained solid until Elk’s forwards were able to pick up a lucky rebound off Ards keeper, Hannah Simpson, to bring the game to 3-3.
The home side were weakened towards the end of the match with two players receiving yellow cards, one of these players then received a red card for a further offence, leaving Elks with just 9 players on the field. However, Ards were unable to take advantage of this, and the game finished 3-3.
Ards 2nds 1 Randalstown 2nds 2
Ards played well against a strong Randalstown side on Saturday afternoon. Good hockey was on show throughout the half though Ards were 1-0 down by half time. The second half proved to be a very close contest especially after the traveling Chloe Brown equalised with an excellent straight strike. The game became very competitive in the second half to the extent that birthday celebrant Hannah Wishart was issued a green card albeit in somewhat amusing circumstances. Hannah was tripped up so she fell and whilst on the ground the ball hit her so by the letter of the law the free was against her but she asked the umpire ‘was she kidding’and promptly got carded. Ards were then unfortunate to finish with a 2-1 defeat when they conceded again with ten minutes to go.
Ards 3rd XI 1- 1 Saintfield 2nds
OnSaturday Ards 3rds and Saintfield 2nds played out a very competitive 1 -1 draw on the gravel at Saintfield. The home side started the better of the two teams and really put Ards on the back foot from the first whistle and could have taken the lead on several occasions early on, however, a couple of timely tackles by Zoe Bronkhorst and saves by goalie Nicola Patton kept the teams on level terms. Ards found it hard to adapt to the gravel surface and their unforced errors continued to give Saintfield plenty of possession in midfield and it wasn't long before they deservedly took the lead through a good move on the left which provided the centre forward which a chance from close in which left Nicola Patton little opportunity to clear the danger. This was the wake up call that Ards needed and they started to create some pressure on the Saintfield side but were unable to find their way through the home defence. Just as it looked as if Ards would go into the half time break 1 - 0 down they were fortuitous to win a penalty corner which worked perfectly when Sarah Louise Busby's first time shot was neatly deflected in by Natalie Bronkhorst on the left post to leave the half time score 1-1. The second half was a more even affair and both teams attacked in search of a winner and to secure the 3 points, however, despite good chances for Bethanie Chambers and Nicci Shepherd at one end and good penalty corner opportunities for Saintfield the score remained 1-1 and the entertaining game ended honours even.
Congratulations to Zoe Bronkhorst this week Ards player of the match.
Ards 5ths 0 - 0 Ballymena 4ths
Ards 5ths hosted Ballymena 4ths on Saturday in a match they needed to win to extend their lead at the top of Junior League 10 and to maintain their 100% record. The game was an entertaining encounter with Ards playing the better hockey throughout, however, the Ballymena defence thwarted every scoring chance they had. Ards dominated most of the play and could easily have taken the lead several times during the first half with good chances from Jessica Bush and Jenna Fraser being well saved by the visiting keeper. The pattern of play continued in the same vain in the second half with Ards making most of the chances, so much so that Marian Mateer in goals for Ards hardly touched the ball all afternoon, a testament to the young Ards team. Ards looked as if it was only a matter of time before they would score but to their credit the Ballymena team worked tirelessly in defence, midfield and up front to keep the scores level and came away with a well-earned point with a final score 0-0. Ards will feel a bit disappointed with the draw, however, they maintained their strong position at the top of the league as their closest rivals also drew their games.
The 4th XI will have to play the rest of 2011 without their dynamic midfielder Heather White who has unfortunately sustained another attic attack injury and is left with a broken wrist. Good luck to Heather for a rapid recovery and no more climbing allowed!
Ards 1st xi unbeaten start to premier league finished on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat to Armagh at Ards Leisure Centre. Ards were without the talented Chloe Brown who was representing Ulster u18s and Heather McClurg who was managing the u16s. Nevertheless, this was a disappointing reverse in a game Ards should and could have won which could prove costly.
The game was a rather one sided affair with Ards dominating possession throughout the 70 minutes with Heather Cox very strong in defence and Brenna McEwen and Hannah Coey working hard up front. Ards failed to break the deadlock even with an accumulation of seven penalty corners.
Armagh stole into the lead when a crash ball was deflected and fell kindly to them early in the second period. By this stage Ards were already feeling ‘very hard done by’ as they had a ‘goal’ disallowed. Ards were ordered by their coaches to step up pressure on the Armagh team and spent much of the final quarter of the game camped in the opposition territory. From this pressure Ards believed that they had secured an equaliser when Katy Bennett worked the ball into the net and the girls made their way back to re-start looking to press for the winner. With the closely positioned umpire allowing the goal the Armagh players protested and the far umpire came from 40 yards away to report an ambiguous infringement and the decision to award a goal was reversed.
The Armagh coach Niall McCool said after the game ‘we certainly rode our luck and on another day we could have lost three or four nil. We were inside their 25yard line on two occasions and scored on one of them’. Ards will hope to improve on their goal scoring for the game this weekend away to Lisnagarvey.
On a brighter note, Chloe Brown played an impressive role in securing the Under 18 inter-provincials for Ulster with a superb display against Munster in particular scoring two great goals in the Saturday afternoon fixture while her Ards 1st XI team mates were struggling to break down a resolute Armagh defence. They went on to beat Leinster in the decider in horrendous conditions on Sunday afternoon with Chloe scoring another two goals in the Sunday games. Congratulations to Heather McClurg who took the Under 16 squad to the runners-up position in their contest only losing out to a strong Leinster team who beat them 1-0 in the head-to-head game.
Ards 2nds 2 Armagh 2nds 1
In a re-run of the corresponding 1st game the two club second Xi’s took the pitch straight after the controversial 1st xi game to fight for the precious points. With a timely lift of spirits the Ards second string topped their splendid performance last week with a fantastic performance. Ards came out working superbly as a team and again putting in great effort, this was rewarded when Jessica Ross scored a great goal from a fierce shot from the right. Armagh did look dangerous in the first half scoring a penalty corner though Ards competed well ensuring they didn't score again. Score at half-time was 1-1.
Half way through the second half and under increasing pressure, Sarah Foster secured an Ards victory scoring from right in front of the net. This goal led to the game being stepped up a notch with Armagh desperate for a second goal. The entire Ards outfit ensured their win and did not concede with Francesca Brown and an utterly defiant Hannah Simpson in goals defending superbly to win the game. This was an exciting encounter and although Armagh perhaps were better individually, Ards worked better as a team and won purely down to sheer grit and determination.
Ards 4th XI 3 Grosvenor 4th XI 1
Grosvenor started the Friday night game very strong and scored within 5 minutes. Ards fought back and Leanna Thompson deflected a ball into the net for the equaliser. Ards scored their second goal in the second half when super play from Bethanie Chambers, who passed the ball to Claire Briggs to score.Gemma Adair picked up the ball in her own half and ran to the Grosvenor goal, passed to Bethanie Chambers, who then slotted Ards third goal home. Consistent and constructive play from Laura Walker, Corriander Geddis, Gemma Adair and Alex Paden helped to maintain Ards 4th xi’s ascendancy in blustery conditions.
Congratulations to the Ards Player of the Match – Bethanie Chambers.
Ards Ladies Hockey Club
Ards 1st X1 continued their successful league campaign beating Queens University 2-0 on Saturday. Both teams displayed solid attacking sets of play in the opening stages of the match so inevitably it was only a matter of time before the deadlock would be broken. Fortunately, it was Ards who managed to secure the first goal in 20th minute from an excellent short corner routine which saw Janice Vaughan getting the final touch to secure the lead. Queens fought back hard in an attempt to even the score line with Hannah McMillan and Julie McKnight forcing Ards Keeper Naomi McKnight to make a number of saves. In the end, it was Ard's relentless work rate which forced the second and final goal in the 40th minute of the game. On form Janice Vaughan again claimed the goal during open play from an excellent strike at the top of the circle placing the ball accurately in the bottom corner of the net. Ards will play Armagh away this Saturday and hope to continue their league success to date.
The U16 and U18 Girls Interprovincials are on this weekend at Stormont. Please support the Ulster teams and in particular Chloe Brown who is playing for U18 and Heather McClurg who is manager of U16's. Good luck to both Chloe and Heather!
Encouraging win for young Ards 2nds
Ards went out on Wednesday evening with a completely new attitude which proved to serve them well. It was a very competitive first half with both teams playing well with Ards particularly grateful having the luxury of young squad members from the 1st XI eligible for this game. Chloe Brown, Brenna McEwen and Becky Weir playing. It was Ards to take the lead after a cross in from the right by Brenna and after a scramble in front of the goals, captain Vikki Reid scored. In the second half the first goal was to be vital but it wasn’t to come for quite a while until Becca Ambrose struck for Ards. Ards were unfortunate to concede a rather poor goal in the closing stages of the game but the entire team is to be commended for their work rate, attitude and effort in this encounter. A very popular victory if the facebook comments are an indicator. More importantly it could be the incentive that this group need to take into other close encounters where they have not come out on top.
Ards 3rdXI 1 - 0 Holywood 2ndXI
On Saturday Ards 3rdXI kept pace with the early league leaders in Junior 6 with a hard fought win over neighbours Holywood. The game was a fairly scrappy affair with Ards failing to produce the free flowing hockey from the previous week and with Holywood playing very well defensively the match was always going to be a close game. Ards created most of the early chances and nearly took the lead half way through the first half when a Sarah Louise Busby penalty corner shot was deflected narrowly wide by Jess Moore. The Holywood keeper was called upon on numerous occasions in the early exchanges and pulled off some fine saves, however, Ards got their just rewards when they scored approaching half time. Again Sarah Louise Busby latched on to a ball at the top of the circle and this time her first time shot eluded the Holywood defence and found the back of the net to give the home team a 1-0 lead at half time. The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Ards having most of the possession and Holywood marshalling their defence well to keep in the game. Towards the end of the game Holywood pressed forward in search of an equaliser but Zoe Bronkhorst in the Ards defence cleared any threat of danger as she had done all afternoon. Ards failed to further capitalise on their possession and although this was not one of their best performances they were relieved to come away with all three points. Thank you to Gillian Murphy for umpiring and congratulations to Sarah Louise Busby Ards player of the match.
Ards 5ths 1 Malone 2nds 0
This new senior team continued their winning ways with a narrow victory against Malone 2nds in Pirrie Park. The all-important goal was scored by Kirsty Boobyer and at the other end Paula Hooker was comfortable enough with a few good saves and a clean sheet. Thanks to Joan Sterritt for organising the team, Pamela Chittick for assisting with transport at short notice and Margaret McCormack for umpiring.
Ards Ladies Hockey Club - 8th October 2011
Ards 4 Dublin University 5 (Penalties)
Ards 1st X1's Irish Senior Cup run came to an abrupt end on Saturday at their home turf when Dublin students Trinity College finished on top putting Ards out through sudden death penalty strokes. The action packed game certainly satisfied spectators but it was Ards who where left feeling bitterly disappointed after they failed to convert any of the 17 penalty corners they won throughout the game or good chances created by Hannah Coey and Chloe Brown. One goal would have been enough to see Ards through to the next round but fate was in Ards’ favour. In the end it was Trinity players who remained calm enabling them to win the penalty stokes competition and continue their Irish Senior Cup campaign. Ards would like to thank Roma’s for their fantastic hospitality for both teams after the game.
Ards 2nds 0 Lisnagarvey 2nds 2
Saturday saw Ards go out slightly more focused than they had previously been however within minutes the defence were called into action to keep Ards in the game. The first half remained pretty even with the forwards creating some opportunities although it was Lisnagarvey who did force a score leaving Ards at half time 1-0 down. The second half was not to prove any better for the Ards’ outfit and as the half unfolded both team’s play slowly deteriorated to a scrappy slow pace of hockey with no real enthusiasm. Garvey however, had some dangerous breaks and it was on one of these that they scored again to secure their win. This game at least showed that Ards can work on some key issues to improve their competitiveness in this very challenging top league of junior hockey.
Ards 3rd XI 4 V 0 Dromore 4th XI
Ards 3rd XI had a great 4-0 win against Dromore on Saturday afternoon. Ards dominated for large parts of the game, however, in the first half could only convert one of their chances when Kerry Long collected the ball just inside the opposition half and ran into the opposition circle unchallenged and as the keeper came out she slotted the ball home from the edge of the circle. Dromore constantly worked hard to get on even terms and they always looked dangerous on the break but the Ards defence was equal to the challenge and with the help of keeper Paula Hooker comfortably cleared their lines. Half time Ards 1 - Dromore 0. In the second half Ards stepped up the pace and were more clinical with their finishing scoring 3 times in the 25 minute spell. Ards second goal came from Ashleigh Kennedy who nudged home a goal bound shot by Stacie Lappin. It wasn't long before Ards secured the points with a superb penalty corner strike from Sarah Louise Busby and Natalie Bronkhorst rounded off the scoring in the final moments when she pounced on a rebound following a shot from Bethanie Chambers. Well done to Bethanis Chambers and Laura Walker - this week’s players of the match.
Ards 4th 2 PSNI 3rd XI 1
Ards 4th XI played PSNI 3rd XI on the gravel at Portaferry Road. Ards dominated the first half but did not convert any goals from short corners won. Clare Briggs eventually scored with excellent play from Jess Rollo and Leanna Thompson. PSNI equalized in the second half but brilliant play from Zoe Bronkhurst, Corriander Geddis, Rachel Brown, Becca Munn and Jessica Bush kept Ards on top. Clare Briggs, who had a fantastic match, got the winning goal in the dying minutes.
Final score was Ards 2-1 PSNI. Player of the Match was Jessica Bush
Ards 5th XI 2 Larne 3rd XI 1
Ards and Larne battled it out on the gravel at Portaferry Road. Superb play from Kirsty Boobyer and Cara Mae Bailie led to Ards first goal from Taylor Wilson. Larne replied with an equaliser. Ards continued with impressive play from Nicole Lyons, Corriander Geddis, Jessica Bush and Jenna Frazer. Joan Sterritt and Nicola Patton should be congratulated for their commitment at the back. Clare Briggs scored Ards winning goal.
Final score Ards 2-1 Larne Player of the Match was Kirsty Boobyer
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