Ballyclare Ladies aim to complete league programme with a win

Jordan Jones in action for Ballyclare. Pic courtesy of David Holmes. INLT 13-801CON

Ballyclare Ladies will set off on Saturday morning for the long trek across the border to Raphoe to complete their league programme.

With a Senior League Section 1 mid table finish already secured, this fixture is a dead rubber for Caroline Darragh’s girls, but their Donegal counterparts are still in contention for promotion. Banbridge Ladies have already been crowned champions but the play-off position is still up for grabs.

Rainey and Ballymena with points in the bag are favourites to clinch the runners-up spot, but if the Raphoe girls could garner full points from their three remaining matches, they could see off the opposition, and set themselves up for a play-off with Lisnagarvey Ladies.

With the hosts desperate for points, the Ballyclare girls are expecting a hot reception in Raphoe this weekend. Parkview Ladies have all to play for in their final fixture against Cooke Ladies.

A win would topple leaders Instonians off the summit, and ensure Senior League Section 3 hockey next season. However if beaten all would not be lost, for a runners-up finish would mean a play-off probably against Newry Olympic Ladies.