The Raphoe Hockey Club men’s team was victorious in Dublin yesterday, beating Suttonians in Irish Hockey Challenge.
Raphoe 1s 2-0 Suttionians (A)
Raphoe 3s 0-8 N.Down 4s (A)
After a long journey down Raphoe were determined to make a quick start. The Away side started brightly moving the ball well. The first opportunity came for Raphoe when Jake McKnight played a good ball to Sam McKnight on the edge of the circle who unfortunately dragged his shot wide. After this chance Suttonians grew into the game creating some good opportunities themselves.
Start of the 2nd quarter Raphoe started well again finding joy down their right hand side. Robbie Watt drove at the Suttonians defence and broke into the D and played a good ball across the D to find Jake McKnight whose first time sweep beat the keeper. Raphoe 1-0 Suttonians.
Having found the led Raphoe steeped up and played the ball well round the back keeping possession. Alan Meehan played a great ball down the line to find Robbie Watt again driving towards goal his pass found Sam who played it to the back post to find Cameron Nawn standing free to tap home for 2-0.
Half time Raphoe 2-0 Suttonians
Start of the 3rd quarter and Suttonians came out stronger winning numerous short corners but couldn’t beat Richard in the Raphoe goal. Raphoe’s best chances came when Jake fired a ball into the D where Sam McKnight slide in and tapped wide, Raphoe pressed well allowing Cameron to steal the ball and run at goal finding himself in a 1v1 unfortunately for Raphoe his shot was off the mark. The quarter ended with Raphoe being reduced to 9 men and Suttonians winning another short corner where Richard made yet another great save.
Into the final quarter and Raphoe kept their shape, defending well and soaking up a lot of pressure. Raphoe again reduced to 10 men the pressure kept coming but Richard stood firm in the Raphoe net holding onto his clean sheet. Raphoe defended well to see out the game.
Raphoe now progress to the semi final of the Irish hockey challenge where they await the draw to find out their opponents.
Scorers: Jake McKnight, Cameron Nawn
Man of the match: Richard Wagema
