A later kick off at Campbell College, coupled with lane closures on the Outer Ring meant that I arrived at Deramore Park at the end of the 1st quarter of the Women’s Junior 2 fixture, between Belfast Harlequins III and Ulster Elks II.
The 1st quarter was goalless.
Quins started the 2nd quarter with urgency, closing down the Elks midfield and starving their forwards of possession. Pressure told when Rose Bradley opened the scoring for Quins after 21 minutes. Quins continued to press and it was no surprise when Quins doubled their lead, from a Joanne Currie strike on 26 minutes. Quins led 2-0 at halftime.
In the heavy rain Quins continued to press but gradually the tide turned. Elks won more ball and began to string moves together, testing the Quins keeper. Justine Dickie pulled a goal back for Elks after 40 minutes. Quins led 2-1 at the end of the 3rd quarter.
The deluge of rain continued into the 4th quarter. Now it was Elks putting press on Quins. On 55 minutes Aoibheanne McDonnell equalised for Elks. Suddenly it was game on as both teams sought a winning goal. With moments left Hannah McCleary’s strike completed, at one stage an unlikely comeback for Elks, who leave Deramore with 3 league points.
Match Gallery
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