A close & exciting encounter took place between CoI & Ashton in Garryduff on Saturday in the first round of the Irish Hockey Trophy. It was a competitive game from start to finish which resulted in a fantastic 3-2 win for CoI.

CoI started strongly in Q1, creating a lot of scoring chances but were unable to convert. Q2 proved more challenging for CoI as our defence was put under pressure from a strong Ashton side which resulted in numerous defensive penalty corners. Our defenders remained composed and resilient during these attacks. A penalty stroke was skillfully saved by goalkeeper Sarah Wrixon to keep both sides scoreless at half time.

Each team had scoring opportunities in Q3 but it was CoI who eventually converted a perfectly executed penalty corner. Injected with precision by Alex O’Grady, stopped by Christina Dring and finished with an accurate strike from Julie Coyne. CoI finished 1-0 up at the end of Q3.

It was all to play for in Q4. Both sides went out in full force and gave spectators some thrilling & heart stopping moments. Ashton successfully levelled the scoreboard within minutes. CoI retaliated minutes later as Christina Dring picked up a pass in the centre of the pitch, took on numerous defenders before passing it to Sally Murray in the circle for a 1 v 1 against the Ashton goalkeeper. Murray calmly took the opportunity to flick the ball over the grounded goalie to put CoI 2-1 ahead. Moments later Ciara Comerford scored from play and extended the lead to 3-1. Ashton reacted with some strong attacks, successfully converting a PC to narrow the CoI lead to 3-2. CoI remained strong in the final few minutes to hold their lead. An exciting finish to a great IHT match in Garryduff.

*Team*: Sarah Wrixon (Goalkeeper), Becky Maye (Goalkeeper), Julie Coyne (1), Amy Stokes, Sally Murray (1), Ruby Lehane, Cirara Comerford (1), Alex O'Grady, Zoe Wilson, Laura Bermingham, Christina Dring, Clodagh Sweeney, Olivia Woods, Amy Roberts, Jane Egar, Anna Kearney.