Dublin University Ladies Hockey Club (DULHC) made the journey north to Antrim on Sunday to face tough opposition in Belfast Harlequins. With both sides seeking to propel themselves away from the relegation zone and into the secure environs of mid-table, a fantastic start by Trinity was matched by a third-quarter bombardment from the hosts, with DULHC ultimately fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw.
Trinity set the tone prior to proceedings commencing, a high intensity pre-game warm-up foreshadowing Trinity’s opening quarter.
Trinity pressurised Harlequins from the get-go, pushing high up the pitch and unsettling the Ulster side. The team was soon awarded for its early pressure, a powerful Ailish Long shot forcing the Harlequins goalkeeper to fumble the ball into her own goal. The first quarter ended with Trinity well on top and Harlequins failing to get out of second gear.
The second continued in the same manner with DULHC maintaining the high intensity of the first quarter, with movement by Louise McCollum, Sally Campbell and Niamh Sweeney in the channels forcing Harlequins to defend deep. However, DULHC failed to capitalise on its dominance and Harlequins began to gain a foothold in the game, winning five short corners in quick succession before the end of the second quarter. DULHC managed to survive the onslaught, ending the half relieved to have not conceded.
After a slow start, Harlequins began to dominate in the third quarter, attacking relentlessly. DULHC struggled to regain the possession and attacking impetus that they had enjoyed in the first-half. Jenny Long and Avril Dooley O’Carroll remained resilient at the back to deny Harlequins an equaliser. The pressure continued to mount and Carolyn Crampton was called into action on several occasions, keeping Trinity in front and frustrating the hosts. The end of the third left Harlequins wondering if there was any route into the Trinity net.
The question was answered soon after the break, as Harlequins’ dominance finally bore fruit. Crampton was finally beaten in goal to make it all square in Belfast. Harlequins pushed on looking for a second, but DULHC remained as organised and resilient in defence as they had prior to conceding. DULHC rediscovered its early attacking success late in the tie and came close to stealing the victory, but failed to convert late chances and the game finished 1-1.
DULHC will take positives from the game, and will point to the obvious fact that there are no easy encounters in the EYHL, Ireland’s top league. Trinity currently sit in eighth position, and will be glad for the extended break granted by the league’s fixtures. The team take on Monkstown, currently propping up the table, on December 9th.
