Raphoe Men's hockey team enjoys solid weekend
The Raphoe Men's hockey team has enjoyed a solid weekend with a series of impressive results.
IT was a solid weekend for Raphoe’s men, with the 1st XI picking up a hard-earned point away to North Down and the 2nd XI recording an impressive 3-0 victory over Mossley.
North Down 1st XI....2
Raphoe 1st XI....2
RAPHOE came from behind twice to earn a deserved point in a competitive encounter with North Down.
The hosts took an early lead in the first quarter following a quick counterattack, with their forward rounding the keeper to finish into an empty net.
Raphoe responded well, and sustained pressure in the second quarter paid off when Simon Goudie fired a powerful drag flick into the top corner to level the scores.
Raphoe continued to dominate spells of the third quarter, only to be denied by some excellent saves from the North Down keeper.
Against the run of play, the hosts were awarded a penalty stroke following a back-stick infringement on the goal line and regained the lead.
However, Raphoe responded immediately, with Simon Goudie grabbing his second from another superb drag flick to make it 2-2.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the final quarter, but neither could find the breakthrough, leaving the points shared.
Raphoe 2nd XI....3
Mossley 3rds....0
AN excellent all-round team performance saw Raphoe’s 2nds secure a convincing 3-0 victory in difficult weather conditions.
John Watt opened the scoring in the second quarter with a brilliant run through the middle before calmly slotting home from eight yards.
Watt then turned provider, picking out Ian McGonigle, who doubled Raphoe’s advantage with a fine reverse-stick finish.
William Meehan put the result beyond doubt midway through the final quarter, finishing off a well-worked passing move to make it 3-0.
It was another clean sheet for Cameron Bell in the Raphoe goal, while young Rory Lannon deserves a special mention for an excellent, composed performance at left back.
A club spokesperson said: “A great team effort in terrible conditions, with both sides probably relieved to hear the final whistle.
“Unfortunately, the 3rds’ fixture (against Bangor 5ths) was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
“A big thank you to all the umpires for giving their time, and to our fantastic club sponsors for their continued support: Smyths Daleside, Temple Trailers, Raphoe Pharmacy and McCarron’s Craft Butchers.
“Your support is greatly appreciated!
“Well done to all the lads who represented Raphoe this weekend.”
Elsewhere, it was a tough weekend for both ladies’ teams as they suffered defeats away from home against strong opposition.
The 1st XI were defeated 6-0 by Instonians 1st XI and the 2nd XI were defeated 3-0 by Queen’s 5th XI.