Greenisland Ladies Hockey Club

Win in Local Derby for Greenisland Under 14s

On Sunday 28th February 2010, Greenisland Ladies U14s sponsored by Sainburys, Carrickfergus came up against local rivals UU Elks. Having drawn their previous match, Greenisland knew this was a must win game to keep their hopes of reaching the Under 14 Ulster finals alive.

From the beginning the Greenisland Girls controlled the match, with captain Jade Gardiner controlling her team from Centre-Back. Within 10 minutes Greenisland’s’ reward came, an excellent strike from Jade from a short corner left Elks keeper stranded and put Greenisland 1-0 up. With confidence levels high the girls picked up their game and began to play some fantastic free flowing hockey. Centre midfielder Claire Courtney worked tirelessly up and down the pitch fighting for every ball and showing some great skill. Young Emily Macartney is to be commended for her excellent spatial awareness and reading of the game, on numerous occasions she found centre forward Hannah McCleery unmarked to set up Greenisland’s attack. A super ball played from Claire Courtney found young Hannah McCleery who placed the ball perfectly into the bottom corner of the net putting Greenisland 2-0 up.

UU Elks upped their game and began putting pressure on the Greenisland defence, however an on-form back line of Chloe Carlin, Rebekah Murray, Shannon Cavey and goalkeeper Kara Munn, prevented UU capitalising on any chances. The match was end to end in the first half with both teams fighting for the ball and showing great strength and determination. Half-time score 2-0.

2-0 up the girls did not sit back, great link up play between defence and midfield supplied the forward line of Hannah McCleery and young Emily Harris with countless opportunities to score, however an on-form Elks goalkeeper kept them at bay.

A great ball from Alex Heyburn found Claire Courtney unmarked at the top of the circle and her superb strike was saved by Elks keeper, however left midfielder Emily Macartney was on hand to smash the rebound into the net putting Greenisland 3-0 up.

UU Elks hit back, some fantastic play in the Greenisland circle saw the ball bundled into the net and put Elks back in the game.

Versatile defender Chloe Carlin went into right midfield were she has a super game, winning every tackle and linking up superbly with both the midfield and forward line. Chloe played the ball back to Jade Gardiner and with the pass of the game Jade found Hannah McCleery unmarked at the top of the circle. Hannah an out and out goal scorer was sure to capitalise on this opportunity and put Greenisland further in the lead. Young Rebekah Murray and Shannon Cavey were solid at the back and broke up any attacking play from UU Elks. And when called into action, goalkeeper Kara Munn made some fantastic saves ensuring Greenisland maintained their advantage.

As the ball came out to Hannah McCleery who was on a hat-trick she unselfishly passed to her counterpart Emily Harris who perfectly placed the ball in the bottom right hand corner. 5-1 up Hannah wasn’t finished just yet. Picking up the ball at the half-way line she ran past 3 UU defenders and with a great strike, there was only one place it was going, into the bottom corner of the net finishing the match in style for Greenisland and grabbing her third of the game.

Final Score 6-1 to Greenisland, a fantastic team performance - well done girls! Many Thanks to John Cathcart for umpiring and to our sponsors all our supporters. Player of the Match was Hannah McCleery

Team: - K Munn, C Carlin, J Gardiner (Capt), R Murray, S Cavey, C Courtney, E Macartney, A Heyburn, E Harris, H McCleery.

Greenisland Under 14s coach would like to take this opportunity to congratulate players Jade Gardiner and Claire Courtney on their selection for the Ulster Under 15 Development Squad. It is well deserved for both girls.