WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Ballymoney opened their first ever European campaign with a highly creditable performance against German side Club an der Alster in the A division of the Cup Winners' Cup at Ourense, Spain, yesterday, losing just 2-0 when, in truth, they expected a much heavier defeat, writes Mary Hannigan
WOMEThe Ulster club, for whom Diane Kirgan and Irish under-18 international Bridget McKeever shone, held the Germans scoreless until the 47th minute when their captain Bettina von Falck broke the deadlock from a short corner. Britt Somann extended the lead four minutes later but Club an der Alster failed to find a way past Angela Platt in the Ballymoney goal thereafter.
Ballymoney's opponents today are Glasgow Western, who fought back from being two goals down to draw 2-2 with Leicester yesterday.
The Irish cup holders play Leicester tomorrow and move into the play-offs on Sunday.
If Ballymoney can avoid relegation to the B division, Hermes or Loreto, this season's cup finalists, will play in the A division next year.
EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS CUP (at Ourense, Spain) - Pool B: Club an der Alster 2 (B von Flack, B Somann), Ballymoney 0; Leicester 2 (S Blanks 2), Glasgow Western 2 (C Semple, A Young). Today: Club an der Alster v Leicester, 10.0; Glasgow Western v Ballymoney, 12.0.
