Raphoe Hockey Club notched their second win in a row, as they look to bring their strong season to a positive end.
They welcomed Newry to the Royal and Prior School grounds for their penultimate league match of the season, with eyes firmly set on securing second place in the table. Knowing all three points were crucial, the home side came out with real intent.
Raphoe started brightly, controlling possession and creating early half-chances. Their breakthrough came from a well-earned short corner, with veteran Simon Goudie stepping up to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner.
In the second quarter, Newry raised their intensity while Raphoe lost some rhythm, giving away possession too easily. The visitors capitalised when a rebound from a short corner was pounced on and slotted home to make it 1–1 at the break.
Raphoe responded strongly in the third quarter, moving the ball confidently from the back and drawing Newry out of shape. Simon Goudie fired a superb ball into the D, where Evan Lyttle reacted sharply to deflect it first-time into the roof of the net. Moments later, Raphoe were awarded a penalty stroke, but Keith Meehan’s effort was well saved by the Newry keeper.
With momentum on their side, Raphoe continued to press. A dangerous ball into the D was saved initially, but Jake McKnight was on hand to finish clinically and extend the lead.
In the final quarter, Raphoe maintained their intensity. A sharp counter-attack saw Tom Eaton release Jake McKnight, who drove into the D before squaring it to Cameron Nawn — he made no mistake with a composed finish into the bottom corner to make it 4–1. Newry pulled one back late on, but it was too little, too late.
Final Score: Raphoe 4–2 Newry
Scorers: Jake McKnight, Simon Goudie, Evan Lyttle, Cameron Nawn
The team sends their best wishes to Lee following a nasty facial injury sustained during the game — wishing him a speedy recovery.
Raphoe now turn their focus to next weekend’s crunch clash with Civil Service at home, with just one point separating the two sides in the race for a playoff spot. It promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Raphoe 2nd XI also scored a victory this weekend, beating Portadown 4-2 at home.
