Newry Olympic Ladies 2s 4-0 South Antrim Ladies 6s

On Saturday 22nd February, Newry Olympic Ladies 2s played South Antrim 6s at home at Markethill High School.

Newry won the toss and chose to play with their backs to the sun. The home side were first to win a corner thanks to the quick skill of Jenna McWilliams to find a South Antrim foot. With a smooth sharp injection from Emma McCullough to Captain Laverne Inns, a straight shot hit the backboard putting Newry into the lead. The visitors fought back also winning a corner, but could not make it count due to the strong defensive skills from keeper Abby Moffett. Sweeper Chrissie McCauley kept pushing Newry on the attack, playing around the back to Jodie Freeman with some lovely flicks over the South Antrim sticks to keep possession.

During the second quarter the play was just as strong in the Newry midfield with some lovely one-twos up the pitch between Diane McMinn-Johnston and Ali Benson. Katie McFarland picked up the ball in the top left corner and switched the ball back to Ali who turned on the keeper and slipped the ball into the goal to make it two nil to Newry at half time. 

In the third quarter, both sides upped the pace with player switches bringing on fresh legs. Left back Rebekah McFarland drove up the left side, slipped the ball through to Jenna McWilliams who smashed the ball though the keeper's pads to make it three nil.

The final quarter saw South Antrim heads drop as the Olympic kept up the pressure for the final fifteen minutes. With ten minutes, to go, Newry were awarded a penalty stroke which was taken and scored by Captain Laverne Inns to make the final score four nil. 

Player of the match was awarded to Jodie Freeman for her amazing skills, her positioning and her positive reinforcement on the pitch.

Thanks to Stephen McCusker, owner of Knowledge Fitness Gym, Banbridge, for sponsoring the match ball.