On a dry, brisk Saturday afternoon the Ladies 5ths team travelled out to Portrane Hockey Club with great enthusiasm for an enjoyable game. With some of our regular players away, we were lucky to have some ex-players out in full force!

The first twenty 15 mins saw a few strong breaks from Clontarf, slowly gaining possession in goal territory. However, Portrane fought back with some fast sprinters in mid-field. While still getting used to the surface of the pitch, Clontarf slowly began to lose possession and decided to change things up with a few player switches. Towards the end of the first half, Clontarf began to feel their stride. Some short corner attempts from Portrane were fought off from our goalie Lynn and the defense; despite this a reverse stick attempt from the opposition saw Clontarf a goal down at half time.

At half time, our stand-in captain Val encouraged us to keep forwards further up field to catch the breaks from mid-field. Clontarf players were out for the win, with plenty dominance and possession throughout the second half. Even when rattled by some breaks from the mid-field sprinters, Clontarf’s strong defense were able to keep them out of the danger zone. Some fouls allowed Clontarf to secure a few short corners towards the end, alas were unable to find an opening into the goal.

 

 

Match: Clontarf Ladies 5s v Portrane, 02/12/2017

Final Score: 0-1 

Written By: Louise Roe