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Ulster win in Dramatic Uniphar InterPro U16 final

Girls Under 16 Interpro Final – sponsored by Uniphar

 

Ulster 2-2 Leinster

Ulster win penalty shootout 2-1

 

A big crowd was treated to a thriller in the sunshine at UCD as Ulster and their never-say-die attitude held sway in a wonderful finale to the Girls Under 16 Interprovincial final sponsored by Uniphar. Twice they came from behind in regular time. And they were behind in the shootout as well – but Davy Menaul’s team prevailed to lift the trophy.

It all started tamely enough with both defenses on top in the first half. Just before the end of the 2nd quarter, Leinster made the breakthrough, and it came from their 2nd penalty corner. Isobel Field’s shot was deflected in by Lauryn Barry past Anna Wilson in the Ulster goal, their territorial dominance in the second quarter finally getting tangible reward, breaching the Ulster defense for the first time in nearly four and a half games in this interprovincial campaign.

But back came Ulster, Erin Pim’s solo run lighting up a final that was so much better in the second half. Pim slalomed her way past two defenders into the circle and finished superbly to deservedly tie up the game at 1-1.

In the final seconds of the 3rd quarter, Leinster went ahead again from another penalty corner. Having been on top for the previous 10 minutes, they fully deserved that lead, Field’s shot flicked in by Hollaí Quinn for her 4th goal of the campaign. At that stage it looked like Leinster might go on and win the title – both displaying the kind of hockey that augurs well for the future of the women’s game in Ireland.

Ulster again refused to buckle. Their high press forced mistakes

In the Leinster defense, centre forward Katie Herron’s strong run into the circle leading to her side’s 3rd penalty corner, Joni Cunningham the hero as her shot beat Jones in goal. The game tied up now at 2-2 and both sides running on fumes after giving everything in a pulsating final.

Near the end, player of the match Isobel Field nearly put Leinster ahead, denied by a fine stop by Lola Henderson in the Ulster goal. So 2-2 it was and the drama of the shoot out had the large attendance on the edges of their seats.

Leinster Captain Sarah Byrne put Leinster in front but only after Umpire Fiona Davitt ordered a retake; Ulster’s Katie Herron tied it up at 1-1; there then followed 7 missed penalties in a row that showed how good Leinster’s Grace Jones and Ulster’s Lola Henderson are at shot stopping.

Ulster’s Kate Spillane, the 10th penalty taker, had the opportunity to seal the win for Ulster – and she duly obliged as her side won an absorbing match that will live long in the memory of those lucky enough to see it – what an advertisement for the Under 16 game!

 

Stephen Alkin

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Students dominate Eight goal thriller in EY Hockey League

EY Hockey League Women Division1
It was round 14 in the EY Hockey League  Women’s Division 1 in an end to end encounter at Rathdown School , with many chances created at both ends.

 

UCD had the better chances in the first half running up a substantial lead at the break before being pegged back in quarters three and four to hang on for a two goal margin of victory.

 

UCD travelled to Rathdown School to take on Monkstown in the EY Hockey League on Saturday with revenge on their minds. While UCD had won the reverse fixture in Belfield earlier in the season, Monkstown ended the students’ aspirations in the Irish Senior Cup last November. Despite being fairly even in pure percentage, terms where possession was concerned the students carved out by far the best opportunities in quarters one and two and it was no surprise when UCD took the lead from open play in the 10th minute.  A well-worked move saw Niamh Carey finish giving the students a deserved lead. They increased their lead in last minute of the quarter when Grace Kenny got her first goal of the day to put the students 2-0 ahead.

 

There were no penalty corners awarded at all during the entire first half and the third goal also came from open play in the 24th minute when Grace Keane got her second of the game to leave the half time score 3-0 to the visitors.

 

UCD were back in action early into the third quarter when Sophia Cole made it 4-0 with another field goal also from open play on 38 minutes and that seemed to spark Monkstown into action as they opened their account six minutes later through a well worked moved that saw Olivia Brady get the decisive touch  to open their account.

 

UCD restored their four-goal advantage when player of the match Niamh Carey teed up her twin sister Michelle Carey to score from close range in the 57th minute.

 

Monkstown rallied in the fourth quarter scoring two goals in just three minutes. Claire O’Reilly got Monkstown’s second of the game in the 64th and Chloe Watkins strike from just inside the semi-circle was deflected past UCD keeper Nora McGinty in the 66th minute to leave the final score Monkstown 3 UCD 5.

 

UCD securing a badly needed three points following last weekend’s home defeat to go back into the top three places in the Division. For Monkstown this defeat coupled with results elsewhere drop into the bottom three places in the Division.

 

Other results:

 

Elsewhere in the Division Old Alexandra travelled to Belfast to take on Pegasus at the Queen’s University Sportsgrounds. A scoreless first half was followed by two Abbie Russell goals for Alex to set them on their way to a 2-0 win over Pegasus who are the only team to have played all fourteen of their fixtures so far. This win put Alex into second place in the table.

 

Railway Union climb to 7th place in the table following their 4-2 win over Ards at Londonderry Park. This result put Ards back into the bottom two relegation spots in the table.

 

Loreto go three points clear at the top of the table following their 4-2 away win over Belfast Harlequins at Deramore Park.

Pembroke Wanderers proved they weren’t going to give up their League title without a fight by beating Catholic Institute who went into this game in second place by 3-0. This win sees Pembroke Wanderers go fifth in the table and into one of the highly coveted Champions Trophy play off places.

 

EY  Hockey League  Women’s Division  2  Pool  A

Muckross held table toppers Avoca to a 1-1 draw.

Ulster Elks narrowed the gap to three points with a game in hand following their 7-0 win over University of Galway.

 

EY Hockey League Women’s  Division 2  Pool B 

Queen’s University beat Corinthians 2-0 but the Dubliners remain top of their Pool B after this result.

Cork Harlequins stay second following their 5-0 home win over Ballymoney.

 

EY Hockey League  Men’s  Division 1

In the Men’s Division Instonians got the weekend off to an interesting start by holding Lisnagarvey to a 3-3 draw at  Shawsbridge. This was the first of two fixtures on the agenda for Lisnagarvey who took on Banbridge on Sunday.

Bann prepared for their top of the table clash with Garvey by beating Pembroke Wanderers by 4-0 at Havelock Park on Saturday. The struggling Dubliners put to the sword ahead of Bann’s big game on Sunday,

Monkstown won a closely fought encounter with YMCA 2-1 at Rathdown School and Three Rock Rovers matched their result beating Annadale 2-1 at Grange Road.

Glenanne took on Cookstown at St Andrews in the remaining tie and it ended in a 3-2 win for Glenanne

 

 

EY Hockey League  Men’s Division 2 Pool  A

Corinthian edged a 9-goal thriller at Farmer’s Cross beating home side Cork Harlequins 5-4 to remain top of Pool A. Railway Union stay second following a 4-2 win over Queen’s University in Belfast.

EY Hockey  League  Men’s Division 2 Pool B 

UCD remain top of the table following the only fixture in this Pool where Avoca kept their slim hopes of making the play offs alive by winning 2-1 against Kilkeel.  With two games remaining, should results elsewhere go their way, two wins may be enough to see them squeeze through.

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Hockey Ireland seeks nominations for the EuroHockey Youth Leadership Festival

Hockey Ireland is delighted to be able to send 2 young people (1 male, 1 female aged 18-30) to the 2023 EHF Youth Leadership Festival from 15th-19th August. The event is in collaboration with the DHB and is going to be a week full of motivating workshops, contacts, and friendships with some amazing guest speakers. Hockey Ireland will pay the entry fee, and this includes full board accommodation, tickets to the opening ceremony and we will provide a small travel bursary for the Youth Leaders.

 

The theme for 2023 is “Press Play” – life has been on pause for such a long time that we hope that 2023 will be time to Press Play, especially for the EHF Youth Leadership Festival which will be held at the same time as the EuroHockey Championship 2023.

To nominate a young person to attend on behalf of Hockey Ireland, please fill in the following form before 27th February 2023: https://forms.office.com/e/meT2P28BQD

If you have any questions, contact sue.haslam@irelandhockey.sportlomo.com

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Railway secure silver at EuroHockey Club Indoor Trophy Tournament

 

Railway played their final fixture at the EuroHockey Club indoor trophy today knowing that they had already secured a silver medal but that a win or a draw would get them gold as tournament winners.

Their opposition was English club East Grinstead who had played an aggressive attacking fast game throughout the tournament. And so they started putting Railway under pressure from the first whistle. The pressure paid off and they took the lead after 4 minutes. Railway won a corner following good work by Orla Patton but Jenny Long’s shot was deflected wide. East Grinstead increased their lead in the second quarter catching Railway on the break. Railway won 2 corners which were well defended by East Grinstead.

Half time: Railway 0 East Grinstead 2.

The third quarter was evenly balanced with few chances. Railway could not find a way through the well organised East Grinstead team. Despite tired legs Railway rallied to up the tempo and attack aggressively in the fourth quarter but this left them exposed as East Grinstead scored a third. Railway never gave up and were rewarded when Orla Patton got them on the scoreboard with a battling goal. However, Railway were unable to add to this and the final score was Railway 1 East Grinstead 3, East Grinstead winning the tournament.

Railway we’re disappointed to lose the match but delighted to win silver medals and secure promotion to the illustrious EuroHockey Club Indoor Cup, the first time an Irish club indoor team has competed at this level for 30 years.

A big shout out to coaches Gareth Myburgh and Michael Fulham who prepared the team so well and to the travelling supporters who encouraged the team throughout. Congratulations also to Cambrai hockey club who hosted a fantastic tournament.

Team: Kate O’Hogan (GK), Orla Fox (C), Holly Jenkinson (VC), Jenny Long, Orla Patton, Sarah Patton, Lily Lloyd, Becky McMullen, Ailish Long, Kate Woods.

Coaches: Gareth Myburgh, Michael Fulham.

Manager: Helen Johnston

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TRR update Eurohockey Indoor Trophy

Results did not go for us yesterday in spite of a 6-3 win against Partille. The Danish side Slagelse defeated the Czech side SK Slavia Prague 4-3 gaining a losing bonus point.

We need either Partille to beat or draw with Sk Slavia tomorrow or we need to beat the Danish, Slagese side by four goals.

Today’s game did not start well with our keeper getting a four minute yellow card in the second minute of the game after which we conceded two goals a player down.

Partille defended deep defending their two goal lead until a Jonas Althusmann pass found Ross Canning’s snap shot goal. Three Rock equalised with a Jody Hosking corner switch.

Both sides traded a goal each until Partille replaced their keeper with four minutes of the game remaining. Their brave decision rebounded from strong counter attacking tackles from Alistair Haughton, Jody Hosking and Harry MacMahon leading to three rapid Three Rock counter goals; two from James Walker and one from Jonas Althusmann.

To put this result in context; Partille won the A division title in 2018.

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Railway secures promotion to top European Indoor Division

Railway played Austrian champions WAC in their second top pool match knowing that victory would secure them promotion to the top European indoor division and at least a silver medal.

The opening quarter was a cagey affair with little between the teams. Sarah Patton made a run the length of the court and won a corner which Jenny Long dispatched with aplomb into the top corner.

The second quarter continued in similar vein with Railway winning another two corners but unable to convert.

Half time: Railway 1 WAC 0.

Railway extended their lead in the third quarter Lily Lloyd finding the back of the net after good work by Becky McMullen. Railway sat deep in the final quarter defending well as WAC applied the pressure. Kate O’Hogan in the Railway goal again made some fantastic saves to keep her goal intact. Railway got an all important third goal when Sarah Patton broke free and ran the length of the court to score. WAC’s pressure paid off and they found a gap in Kate O’Hogan’s goal to score. This led to an edgy last few minutes but Railway remained defensively solid to run out 3-1 winners.

They face English side East Grinstead, featuring ex Ards and Irish indoor player Chloe Brown, in the last match of the tournament. Railway has already secured promotion to the top division and a win or a draw against East Grinstead would see Railway winning the tournament and the gold medals.

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TRR day 2 of Eurohockey Indoor Club Trophy

Three Rock Rovers again stepped up their game performing well in a tight game that they narrowly lost 3-2 on the final whistle.

Rovers Jan Behr scored the first goal of the game in the sixteenth minute but Luzerner SC scored two quick field goals in the final minute of the second half.

Captain Ross Canning’s short corner equalised in the 36th minute. Disappointingly for Three Rock the Swiss scored their winner in the final seconds of the game. Three Rock are now in a two game relegation play off group, needing to beat the Swedish side Partille in their 16.30 game today and also beating the Danish side Slagelse HC in their final match tomorrow.

Three Rock are fighting to play at this level in 2024 as current Irish Champions.

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Railway Top Pool at EuroHockey Indoor Trophy

Railway played their final pool match this morning against the fourth placed team Zelina from Croatia knowing they had already topped their pool with 10 points from their previous two games.

The first quarter was scoreless but Railway edged ahead in the second quarter. Becky McMullen opened the scoring following a strong surge forward by Orla Patton. Orla Fox added to to this with a penalty stroke after Sarah Patton had penetrated the circle. Sarah Patton added to the scoring from Railway’s third corner.

Half Time: Railway 3 Zelina 0.

Railway took their keeper, Kate O’Hogan, off for the 3rd quarter to play with 6 outfield players. The Zelina team became increasingly aggressive taking Holly Jenkinson out on a number of occasions and then received a red card when Orla Patton was hit on the head in an off the ball incident. Nevertheless, Zelina managed to get on the scoreboard but Railway restored a three goal margin when Ailish Long scored from a Lily Lloyd pass.

Railway put their keeper back on for the 4th quarter with debutant Kate Woods getting her 1st goal of the tournament to leave Railway running out as 5-1 winners.

Railway will now play in the top group for places 1 to 4 against East Grinstead of England and WAC of Austria, taking their 5 points from the Clydesdale match with them.

Their next match will be live-streamed at 8.15 this evening (7.15 Irish Time)

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TRR lose to Pinoke in Eurohockey Indoor Club Trophy

Three Rock Rovers 7-3 loss to Pinoke flattered the Dutch side. The Dutch side containing two of the beaten World Cup finalists went into a 2-0 lead at half time but Rovers emphatically clawed their way back into the game with two Jonas Althusmann goals.

Unfortunately two defensive errors and a green card lead to  quick Dutch goals and a subsequent yellow card a bruising 4 man effort yielding another two Dutch goals.

Ross Canning scored a closing short corner goal for a 7-3 loss that did not reflect an excellent Irish performance.

 

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Eurohockey Club Hockey Trophy, Railway V Clydesdale report

In their second match of the day Railway Union took on Clydesdale, the Scottish champions, who had narrowly beaten them last year in the competition in Turkey when Railway had played the whole tournament with only 6 players.

Both teams had won their matches earlier in the day, so it was potentially a top of the table clash. Little was given by either side in the opening quarter but a good run by Orla Patton found Ailish Long who slotted home to put Railway 1-0 up. Railway won a stroke in the 2nd quarter which captain Orla Fox put into the bottom right hand corner.

Half Time score: Railway 2 Clydesdale 0.

Clydesdale won a stroke in the 3rd quarter but put it wide. Railway scored their 3rd goal when Becky McMullen finished off an attacking move. Railway then went further ahead when they scored off their 1st corner, Sarah Patton deflecting the ball into the goal.

In the last quarter, losing by 4 goals, Clydesdale stepped up their attack with Kate O’Hogan in the Railway goal making a number of crucial saves and Holly Jenkinson taking a ball off the line. Clydesdale did manage to get on the scoresheet before the final hooter but Railway ran out 4-1 winners.

At the end of the 1st day Railway top Pool A on 10 points, Clydesdale and Raca have 5 points, with Zelina on 0. Railway play Zelina at 10.45am (9.45 Irish time) in the morning. The top two finishers in the Pool will then play against the top two finishers in Pool B for positions 1-4.

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