Loreto off to winning start in IHL

IHL Pool A
Belfast Harlequins 1 – 2 Loreto Hockey Club
Sarah Wilkinson Nicci Daly x2

09 October 2010 | Deramore Park | 6pm
TO: Ann Jameison Asst: Judges: Jennifer Hobson and Leslie Spence
Umpires: Gail Taylor and Adare Brady

Loreto began their IHL campaign with a 2-1 win over Belfast Harlequins at Deramore Park.

Nicci grabbed both goals for Loreto. Photo Adrian Boehm

Loreto got off to a great start when Nicci Daly ran through on the right in the third minute and fired in low shot. Harlequins almost equalised a couple of minutes later when Jenny McAuley hit a lovely pass across the circle but none of her forwards could add the finishing touch.

Loreto should have gone further ahead a few minutes later when they were awarded a penalty stroke after a goalbound shot hit a Harlequins defender. Captain Nikki Keegan took the stroke but it was well saved by Keeper, Jenny Foster.

Loreto went two goals up when Nicci Daly was left unmarked at a penalty corner and touched in the ball at close range. Harlequins got back into the game just before the end of the third quarter. Jenny McAuley ran through several tackles and slipped the ball to Sarah Wilkinson who finished neatly.

The home team almost snatched a dramatic equaliser in the last few minutes when a brilliant reverse stick shot from Claire Coey went over the bar.

Match report courtesy of The Irish Hockey League

Remaining IHL fixtures:
Nov 7th Loreto v Pegasus
Dec 4th Catholic Institute v Loreto
Feb 6th Loreto v UCC
Mar 19th Hermes v Loreto