28th Mar 2014
On Friday the girls 1st XI embarked upon their toughest match of the season taking on Friends’ in the semi-final of the 1st XI Senior Schools Plate. This was their second semi-final in two years.
The girls knew that they would face tough opposition in Friends’ having been narrowly beaten by them at the start of the season. With a motivational team talk the girls took to the pitch in high spirits knowing that it was up to them to conquer their achievements.
In the first 10 minutes Cookstown dominated with some good linking play from Joanna & Jackie up the right and some smooth switching by the two Erin’s in the forward line. Cookstown had a couple of opportunities but were unlucky to see them go wide. 10 minutes into the match Friends’ had settled and had begun to play some good hockey. Alex Scott worked tirelessly in defence making last minute tackles and distributing the ball wide whilst Rachel swept up any stray balls. The play was end to end with both teams having chances and winning several short corners. An injury to Jackie saw the Cookstown team unsettled and Friends’ converted a well drilled penalty corner. 1-0 at half time.
In the second half Cookstown came out fighting again winning several penalty corners, but to no avail. Their break came when Rachel Millar played a quick pass to Erin Harpur in the circle who made no mistake in drilling the ball past the keeper. Friends’ were shook by this and for the next 10 minutes put the Cookstown defence under some pressure, Danielle and Chloe dealt with the attempts up the wings whilst the midfield had the thankless job of attacking and defending. Rebecca Lindsay had the unenviable task of marking a newly Irish capped Friends’ player but the youngster persevered and thwarted many of the internationals runs.
Unfortunately a well-placed pass saw Friends score again to take them into the lead again. Cookstown came back strong with shots from Kerri and Jackie go narrowly wide. It was not to be Cookstown's day and in the last couple of minutes Friend’s had another quick break which saw them put the ball past Kayleigh who had made some excellent saves throughout. During this goal Chloe Bowden received a broken thumb and we wish her a quick and speedy recovery.
The Cookstown girls’ should take great pride in reaching this semi-final and in the manner in which they performed on the pitch, an excellent match that shows a team full of capable young players. CHS would like to thank all the family members, pupils and pass pupils who came to watch the match and who have supported the girl fantastically throughout the season. Also a special thanks to Margaret Henderson for umpiring all the girls match a role which the girls’ truly appreciate.
Team. K. Hodgett (captain), A. Scott, C. Bowden, R. Millar, D. Hamilton, C.McCammon, J.Burns, R. Lindsay, K. Scott, J. Scott, E. Anderson, E. Harpur, H. Taylor, L. Somerville, C. Harkness, J. Crozier.
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