Gutsy Ballycastle secure a battling draw

This week the north Antrim team had to rely on the strength and depth of the squad due to no less than six regulars being unavailable.

The game started with an early chance from striker O’Reilly but the ball just shaved the wrong side of the post.

College Hill were playing a very hard hitting direct game of gravel hockey which the home team were finding hard to deal with, and inevitably went behind after 14 minutes.

Maybin and Watterson were playing superb in the middle of the park, and with Thompson playing in the unfamiliar role of sweeper they were thwarting any further away advances.

A neat through ball from Maybin found Webber in front of goal; a little more composer would have drawn the scores level. With the style of hockey being played by the away team it was hard for the ‘Castle girls to gain momentum and at half time the score was 1-0.

In the second half there was more urgency from Ballycastle and player of the match Libby Peacock was the catalyst.

Todd on the right wing was causing huge problems and it wasn’t long before a skilful run won the home side a penalty corner. With chances few and far between, O’Reilly duly dispatched the corner with power and accuracy bringing the game back to level pegging.

The game was starting to speed up and both teams could have added to their tally. Home ‘keeper McMullan was in top form, pulling off two world class saves, the second of which leading to some treatment being required after a sliding save.

Holly Watterson and Niki O’Reilly were linking superbly and only for some last ditched tackling could have given their team the lead. After several warnings regarding their tackling College Hill lost a player to the sin bin for a ridiculous tackle on Maybin.

Two excellent crosses from Todd nearly won the game for the home team but it wasn’t to be.

The game finished 1-1 and the result keeps the ‘Castle girls top of the pile.

The girls have a busy day next week, playing Cooke and then attending The North Antrim Sports Awards where they have been nominated for The Special Achievement Award.