NICS 3-2 Newry Olympic

Newry Olympic 1s travelled to Stormont on Saturday 23rd April to play NI Civil Service in what was potentially the final game of the season, as the winner would avoid a relegation playoff match with Portrush HC. In fact, a draw would be enough for the Newry side.

It was a close run affair with Newry having the majority of the ball as Civil Service chose to sit back and hit on the counter.

The home side took the lead in the first quarter through a short corner, which was their only attempt on target in the first half. Newry huffed and puffed but could not create any clear cut opportunities.

In the second half Civil Service again scored from a short corner after a quick break away. However Olympic were now looking more dangerous in their attacks and pulled one back when the ball was stopped illegally on the line and Colin Holmes scored the resulting penalty stroke.

It looked like Newry had got back on level terms through McWilliams, only for the umpire to surprisingly rule the goal out for a back stick in the build up.

This spurred Service on, they pushed forward again and got a third. With time running out it looked like Newry were dead in the water, however Keith McWilliams rifled home a reverse stick shot with five minutes to go to give the visitors a glimmer of hope and ensure an exciting finish to the game.

With only seconds remaining captain Greer was taken out in the '25' and a short corner was awarded. With the final whistle blown, this was the last chance for Newry to grab the point they needed.

Colin Holmes fired in a drag flick which again appeared to be stopped illegally on the line. Turning to expect a penalty stroke to be awarded, the umpire's decision was another short corner. The resulting shot was deflected wide to give Service a narrow 3-2 win and force Newry into the playoff with Portrush on Wednesday at 8pm on 4^th May in Mossley.

Newry Olympic

R. McGivern, C. Holmes, C. Henning, A. Baird, J. Greer (Capt), N. Davenport, C. McKnight, K. Fletcher, I. Steen, K. McWilliams, A. Shekleton, J. Porter, C. Large, J. Gregg, J. Taylor