1st XI v Ballymoney 1st XI
Saturday 16th Spetember 2006
Result: Victorians 2 Ballymoney 2

Under the blue skies of Divis Mountain, the 1st XI met with their first serious test of the season with a Shield game against last year’s 2nd placed Premier team and former Irish Senior Cup winners, Ballymoney.

The game opened at a quick pace and both teams played with skill and tactical know- how. Ballymoney were threatening on their right side and attacked through their right half. Victorians withheld early attacks and began to gain more possession. Team captain, Rachel Johnston was in superb form and dominated her international opponents. Ballymoney gained two penalty corners in succession but Sam Richardson, in goal, made good clearances. Ballymoney almost got a goal when a lifted strike seemed goal bound but Caroline Fusco saved superbly on the line.

Half-time 0 -0

Both teams began the second half competitively but it was Ballymoney who capitalised through two defensive Victorians errors to score simple goals and take a 2-goal lead. To the credit of the home team, they battled well and gambled on 3 in defence and 4 forwards. With 7 minutes to go a corner variation enabled Natasha Hamilton to deflect a goal. Victorians showed more steely determination in the hunt for an equaliser and were rewarded when a superb move between Jenny Hayes and Andrea Gibson set up Nikki Tipping to slip a goal past the right foot of the defending keeper. The tension rose even further when the visitors were awarded a winning goal only for it to be disallowed.

This was a great performance by the team and should be a confidence boost for the season ahead.

Result Victorians 2 Ballymoney 2