This year the 1XI made an enthusiastic and long awaited return to competitive hockey matches following the disruption of Covid-19.
A strong start to the season was made as the 1XI won their opening fixture against Down High School 1-0 with a goal from Jessica McClung and player of the match awarded to Lucy Redmond. The following weekend ended in disappointment as the score line ended in a 2-1 defeat away to Regent House following a number of chances that we were unfortunate not to convert. The determination shown to return stronger was rewarded with a hard fought 1-0 win against Omagh Academy as Molly Watt scored the only goal of the game and Lily Gallagher picked up player of the match. With the confidence of the team improving every week our next match against Belfast High School ended as a 3-1 win to RSD with Molly Watt scoring two and Clara Finlay who was voted player of the match scoring the third. The following fixture against a strong Lurgan College side was a close match which ended in a well deserved 4-3 win away with a goal from Clara Finlay and a hat-trick from Molly Watt securing a player of the match award following her clinical performance upfront.
The 1XI then entered into the second round of the senior schools cup against Grosvenor Grammar School. Despite conceding an early goal in the opening quarter, RSD made a strong comeback immediately with goals from Clara Finlay, Jessica McClung and four from Molly Watt resulting in a convincing win as the match ended 6-2 and RSD progressed into the next round against Antrim Grammer. RSD dominated possession throughout this game, however were unlucky to concede a goal on the counterattack. RSD continued to search for an equaliser against the strong defence until the final whistle yet, despite many chances, were unfortunately unable to find the backboard.
The 1XI faced a defeat against Portadown College as the close match ended 1-0 despite a superb performance from Laura Birnie in goals rewarding her with player of the match. A depleted squad then travelled to play Omagh Academy again as the away fixture ended in Omagh’s favour this time. Following these two defeats the 1XI returned after Christmas with a full strength squad and renewed confidence resulting in a brilliant 5-0 win against Cambridge House. Molly Watt and Clara Finlay both scored two goals each, Alex Neill scored one and a strong performance in midfield from Lucy Redmond meant she was awarded player of the match.
The 1XI entered the Senior Shield against an experienced Coleraine Grammar School which unfortunately ended in an away defeat.
However we finished the season on a high with a convincing 3-1 win over Lurgan College marking the end of the fixtures with Molly Watt on the scoresheet and Zoe Gibson scoring two as Lucy Redmond picked up player of the match.I would like to thank the entire squad for the dedication they showed this year and also Mrs Robb for her admirable commitment and enthusiasm throughout the season in leading both our training sessions and matches. We wish you all the best in the future.
