The Senior Hockey girls faced a rematch of the Douglas Derby in the Semi-Finals against Ballakermeen. With BHS winning all of their league games, including a 4-2 win against St. Ninian's, this would prove to be a tricky challenge. With players returning from holiday and injury, the Saints were on it from the first whistle, out of possession the girls pressed high from the start of the game, not allowing Ballakermeen to settle. 10 minutes into the first half, the BHS defender played a risky ball across the D from a 16, which Lara Smith anticipated and fired a strong hit into the far corner, giving SNHS a 1-0 lead. This gave the girls additional confidence to take the game to Ballakermeen. With one way traffic of SNHS chances continuing, former Ballerkermeen student Ela Blakemore picked up the ball at the halfway line, glided past 4 players and unleashed a spectacular reverse stick shot past the keeper - which silenced some of the hecklers in the BHS crowd. This fantastic goal doubled the lead going into the break, with the half time score St. Ninian's 2-0 Ballakermeen. Macey Crellin and Emma Worsfold provided a great sense of control to the game, looking after the ball when the game increased in intensity. The half time team talk was full of praise, encouraging the girls to kick on and score another. Forwards Lula-Belle Findlay and Ella Edwards were fantastic with their energy both on and off the ball, carrying the ball up the pitch which allowed the Saints to pin BHS in their own third. The third goal came from another surging run from Ela Blakemore down the left week, beating a few players with superb skill and crossing the ball to Lara Smith, who fired home her second of the game to make it 3-0, sending the Saints' sideline into ruptures. Ballakermeen began a late surge and pulled one back from a deflected strike from a short corner to make it 3-1. Goalkeeper Poppy Gerrard made 3 great saves late on to deny any real Ballakermeen comeback. The full time whistle went and St. Ninian's are into the Senior Final for the third consecutive year. Player of the Match was given to Poppy Gerrard who was recognised for her crucial saves towards the end of the game, but the player of the match could have been given to any of the girls as they all played exceptionally well. This was the best performance of the season for the girls, playing selflessly with the ball, showing the chemistry that has developed throughout this team. The Final is against Castle Rushen on Thursday 20th November at the NSC, with a 4pm pushback. All support would be gratefully received to help the girls celebrate what has been a fantastic season, with just the Final to play - the game should be a cracker. Let’s go Saints!
Senior Hockey Semi-Final - SNHS v BHS - Tuesday 11th November
