Goals from Melvin and Conlon book Galway HC ladies' place in Irish Trophy semi-finals

THE Galway senior ladies team secured their place in the Irish Hockey Trophy semi-final after a battling 2-1 win over Ballymena of Ulster at the weekend.

The Galway team scored what must be one of the fastest goals in the competition taking a one-nil lead with just 22 seconds on the clock when Louise Conlon's cross into the Ballymena circle was put in the back of the net by Tara Melvin.

This was a great start for Galway and put Ballymena on the back foot from the outset. Galway continued this early momentum with quick passes and great team play, and for most of the first half, it was the Ulster side that was under the most pressure.

Midway through the half, Lindsey Trainor was unfortunate not to score after her well executed reverse shot went just wide of the goal, but Galway's consistent circle penetration was finally rewarded with a second goal when Louise Conlon finished a ball into the circle from Freddie Timmons.

The second-half proved to be a tough battle for both teams. Snow showers and strong winds made for challenging playing conditions and the Ballymena ladies came out fighting, putting the Galway defence under persistent pressure.

Ballymena's centre-midfield was easily their best player and was instrumental in orchestrating 11 short corners for their side. However Galway's defence team came out on top and prevented them from scoring in 10 out of the 11, with goalkeeper Natasha Cooke making some spectacular saves.

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Ballymena finally converted one short corner and with the momentum in the Ulster side’s favour, it left the Galway side fighting to keep their lead. In a nail-biting finish, the referee awarded the home side a short corner and chance to equalise, but the Galway girls prevailed and celebrated their win along with their fantastic supporters who had made the long journey North to cheer on the team.

This is the first time in Irish hockey history that two Galway teams have made it into the semi-finals of the Irish Trophy. Both semi-finals will be held in Dangan on Saturday, March 3, Galway getting the action underway against yet another Ulster side, Omagh. With Greenfields taking on NICS in the second semi-final, Connacht hockey is really making its mark on the national hockey scene.

Meanwhile, Galway junior boys travelled to Athlone on Sunday for a challenge 5-a-side match against Athlone. An exciting, high scoring match unfolded with the Athlone boys winning out by a narrow margin in the end.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.