Hockey: Burns hits first half brace as Rainey Ladies take the points against Priorians

Rainey Ladies RFHC hosted Priorians on Saturday 28th February in Ulster Senior Two.

The match got off to a blazing start with Rainey commanding control early on and keeping possession of the ball until the ever consistent Rachel Burns found space at the top of the circle and blasted the ball into the back of the net with the keeper having no chance!

The torrential rain made it hard to play and both teams had to dig deep to battle against the elements as well as each other.

Priorians settled into their game after Rainey took the early lead and put pressure on the Rainey defence with a few fast breaks but were unable to get past the keeper.

Shortly before half time Jenna Bowman took a shot which Rachel Burns made sure went past the keeper to leave Rainey two goals ahead but Priorians managed to win a short corner and scored off a very well executed set play.

Rainey came out after half time knowing another goal should seal the game and by this stage everyone was extremely wet and cold so were determined to come away with the three points.

Priorians did not make this easy however and put alot of pressure on the Rainey mid field and defence by playing the ball through the middle of the pitch and setting up a very strong press when Rainey had the ball, however Jayne Speer made them pay when a ball broke through the defence and entered the circle, which Jayne sprinted towards and got the all important touch on to beat the keeper.

Priorians never gave up but by the full time whistle Rainey came away with a very satisfying 3-1 win.

Well done to man of the match Lauren Mulholland.

Rainey: Erin Mulholland, Jenna Bowman, Louise McMaster, Judith Quigley, Koren Ferguson, Kirsty McLarnon, Rachel Burns, Lauren Mulholland, Maeve McNally, Carolyn Burns, Lorraine Hyndman, Emma Currie, Jayne Speer, Nikki Clarke, Thea Corry