Portrush Under 11s blast into Blitz final as Seconds enjoy easy win

This is the second time since starting the junior section, that the Ports travelled with two full under 11 sides. 14 boys from across the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area travelled to Lisnagarvey to play off against two of the biggest clubs in Ulster, if not Ireland, in Lisnagarvey and Instonians Hockey Clubs.

On cold, wet and windy day in Hillsborough, the Ports Team 1 got proceedings underway against one of the senior teams oldest foes, Cliftonville. With both teams playing exciting hockey, flowing from end to end, Cliftonville only being held by some excellent work by the goalkeeper. The deadlock only being broken by a stunning 50 yard run in the final minute to seal the first victory of the day, matching the senior second elevens victory over the same club the day previous.

This was to set the scene for the rest of the day, with both teams defeating at least one of the teams from both Lisnagarvey and instonians, at times with style. This was in part due to all of the boys developing at each of the tournaments and in part to some excellent goalkeeping from our two young keepers, who only started between the posts a few weeks ago.

With the excellent results at this weekend’s blitz, both the under 11 teams have qualified for the Provincial Finals days on the 28th of February in Ballymena. Further to this, the club are delighted to say that the Under 13s have also made it through to their Provincial finals on the 13th of March in Ballymena.

SECONDS

Portrush welcomed Cliftonville to Quay Road and having won the reverse fixture comfortably before Christmas, the Ports were confident of victory. The Ports were able to race into a 3 goal lead with Andy Christie and Barry McMullan (2) scoring the goals. Christie and McMullan were linking up superbly and causing the Cliftonville defence all sorts of problems. Cliftonville were able to pull a goal back following a great strike into the bottom corner passed the helpless Jamie Kane in the Portrush goal.

Matt Jordan was able to re-establish the 3 goal soon after when he tapped in at the far post following good work from Andy Christie. The Ports were forced into a change in goalkeeper with Jamie Kane departing through injury. Goal hero Matt Jordan ably donned the pads. After the stoppage, the Ports were unable to add further goals until immediately before the half-time whistle when Peter McMullan despatched a superb drag-flick to give the Ports further breathing space.

The Ports were keen to kick-on from their first half performance but it was Cliftonville who pulled a goal back following a fast counter-attack when a ball to the back post was swept in from close range.

Portrush continued to attack at will and despite some fantastic build-up play, a combination of poor finishing and resolute defending were unable to add to their tally until Andy Christie was able to effectively seal the game when the ‘keeper failed to keep out his power effort.

Cliftonville refused to lie-down began and were able to score a third goal when the forward fired in at the near post following a nice piece of play down the left hand side. Portrush will be disappointed to have lost the second half of a game that they were on top of for the majority but take positives from their attacking play that on another day should’ve reaped more goals.