‘Sudden death’ victory for Carrickfergus Grammar in hockey’s Senior Schools’ Cup

Carrickfergus Grammar School’s 1XI hockey team advanced to the next round of the Senior Schools’ Cup with victory over Dalriada School.
Carrickfergus Grammar School players celebrate their dramatic victory.Carrickfergus Grammar School players celebrate their dramatic victory.
Carrickfergus Grammar School players celebrate their dramatic victory.

The pace of the game was fast from the start with Carrickfergus Grammar showing a few nerves in the first quarter after heavy pressure from Dalriada.

Captain Hannah Quigg made some quality saves during the defensive corners, showing her talent alongside Amy Alderdice who made sure each ball was cleared.

In the second quarter, Carrickfergus Grammar gained their confidence and played their way back in to the game with some fantastic passing and attacking play.

Carrickfergus Grammar School's hockey team progressed to the next round of the Senior Schools’ Cup.Carrickfergus Grammar School's hockey team progressed to the next round of the Senior Schools’ Cup.
Carrickfergus Grammar School's hockey team progressed to the next round of the Senior Schools’ Cup.

From the back, Jessica Robb used her power and speed to drive up the right-hand side, linking with Amy Alderdice and Sophie McCreery who dominated in the centre, keeping calm on the ball and finding spaces to play the ball to the forwards.

The Carrickfergus team were rewarded after a fantastic run made by Katie Baxter into the Dalriada defence. Katie made a brilliant pass to Rachel Cushley who tapped it on for Erin Brown to score.

However, after another spell of Dalriada pressure, the host side conceded after a lapse of concentration. The girls continued their hard work, putting pressure on any Dalriada player who tried to break through and worked tirelessly to prevent them conceding another goal.

After the final whistle sounded, the girls prepared for penalty runs (25 years out from the goal with eight seconds to score in a one-versus-one with the goalkeeper). Hannah Quigg was outstanding in goal, making some heroic saves. Sophie McCreery and Emma Simpson effortlessly scored their runs which brought the final runs to sudden death. After Dalriada missed, it was down to Emma Simpson who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to seal the victory for Carrickfergus Grammar School.

The North Road school stated: “The girls showed determination, strength, and the ability to persevere as a team to secure victory against a very strong Dalriada team. “We at Carrickfegus Grammar Schoolare very proud of how their hard work in training and their commitment to fitness has paid off. Well done girls.”

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