BALLYMONEY have been crowned Ulster Hockey Veterans Cup champions for a sixth year in a row following a 2-0 final win over Lisnagarvey.
Two goals from Aine Kearney and Catherine Boyd sealed the win at the Antrim Forum.
The first chance of the game came after just eight minutes when Nikki Parke played through Olivia Linton, but the forward’s effort was batted away by the Lisnagarvey goalkeeper.
Just moments later they got the game’s opening goal having won the first penalty corner of the tie.
With an initial strike cleared off the line by a defender before Catherine Boyd picked out Aine Kearney at the penalty spot and she fired in.
Ballymoney took their 1-0 into the first stoppage, but it was Lisnagarvey who began the second period quickest.
A couple of early chances saw the Hillsborough outfit threaten to find an equalising goal, but unfortunately they could take advantage of their pressure.
Then, with 30 minutes on the clock Ballymoney were awarded a penalty stroke which Katherine Boyd slotted through the goalkeepers legs to give her side a 2-0 lead at the half time break.
As the second half got underway, it was again Lisnagarvey who started on the front foot, breaking down the right wing before winning another penalty corner.
However, the resulting strike from the top of the circle was straight at the Ballymoney goalkeeper.
In the final minute of the quarter Garvey again went close as Diane Robb beat two Ballymoney defenders before her reverse strike was charged down by the goalkeeper as it remained 2-0.
Immediately after the restart for the fourth quarter Robb ran forward for Garvey once more.
The forward found a yard of space at the top of the circle before going for goal and narrowly sending her effort wide of the far post.
Five minutes from the end Ballymoney nearly sealed victory as they won another penalty corner.
With the ball having been slipped left to Katherine Boyd at the top of the circle, the forward struck first time but saw her effort go the wrong side of the near post.
The chance proved to be the last opportunity of the game with Ballymoney running out as 2-0 winners and retain their Vets Cup title.
Veterans champions Ballymoney
