Draw at the Dub over Victorians

With Victorians just a point behind Bann in the league table, this was an important game for Bann in order to retain hopes of promotion.

The first half saw most of the hockey played in the middle of the pitch with both sides battling for the ball. Jayne Graham made some good runs down the right wing and worked the ball into the circle but Bann struggled to break the strong Victorians defence.

At the other end of the pitch the Banbridge back four were also solid in defence with Diane Madeley constantly breaking down Victorian’s play, keeping them out of the circle and preventing any real threat.

Bann fought hard but too often gave the ball to the opposition and found themselves having to fight back for possession.

The second half saw Bann with more of the play, Sarah Anderson, Sara Rankin and Ashleigh Mitchell created more opportunities up front. Again Victorians looked dangerous on the attack at times but failed to break through the strong Banbridge defence.

Early in the second half Banbridge found themselves with possession in the circle. Sara Rankin passed the ball through to Jayne Graham who pushed it past the ‘keeper to take Bann into the lead. This lifted Bann and the hockey improved with better passing of the ball all over the pitch.

However, Victorians were soon to break through the Bann defence and found themselves with space to level the scores. With the pace of the game increasing towards the final whistle as both sides fought for the points there was some end to end hockey played but the game was to finish in a draw.

This week Banbridge Ladies Seconds take on Randalstown Fourth in a league fixture at home.

Thanks to Diane McMillen for umpiring.