Ulster Hockey Junior 6 League Cup semi-final
Ballynahinch 1
Saintfield IIIs 1
(Ballynahinch win 3–1 on pens)
Ballynahinch Hockey Club’s men’s team have secured their place in the Ulster Hockey Junior 6 League Cup final with a hard-fought victory over Saintfield IIIs, emerging victorious following a tense penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw on Saturday.
The first half saw Hinch assert their dominance, with Jason Campbell’s well-taken goal giving them a 1–0 lead at the break. Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities, Ballynahinch were unable to extend their advantage, thanks to some resolute defending and outstanding goalkeeping from the Saintfield goalkeeper.
The second half was a different proposition altogether, with Saintfield’s resurgence evident as they levelled the scores with a deflected shot. With 15 minutes remaining, the game was poised on a knife-edge, but both teams were unable to find a winner, sending the match to penalties.
In the shootout, Ashley Brown missed his opening penalty for the home side, but three consecutive Saintfield misses and conversions from Alex Millar, Luke Curry and Stuart Hunter saw Ballynahinch into the final. It marks a memorable week for Stuart McKee’s men, reaching their second final in four days following Wednesday’s Minor Cup semi-final win over North Down IV.
Matchday squad: David Chadwick, Ashley Brown (VC), Daren Roe, Leslie Harrison, Stuart Hunter (C), Shane McKay, Lee Thomas, Alex Millar, Jason Campbell, Adam Dodds, Ben Chadwick, Zak Patterson, Joel Dawson, Luke Curry, Lawrence Patterson.
Player of the Match: David Chadwick.
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