HOCKEY: Rennix on target but Larne lose out to Banbridge
Larne were 1-0 up at the break thanks to a Gillian Rennix strike, but Cathy Rees netted twice while Gail McConnell and Samantha Bann were also on the score-sheet during a free-flowing second half.
The game began equally with both teams creating chances but Larne got the first goal from a short corner with Rennix’s shot deflected in from the left hand post.
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Hide AdIn the second half, however, Bannn came back strong and started to string together some good moves up the left with Samantha Bann and Gail McConnell.
Skilful play by Rees around Larne’s keeper brought Bann back into the game with the leveller. The hosts continued to work hard and were rewarded McConnell smashed home from the top of the circle to put the league-leaders ahead.
Larne tried their best battle back, stretching the Bann defence and forcing numerous saves from keeper Sarah McCabe.
But the home side hit back when Rachel Kerr set up Bann for number three.
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Hide AdBanbridge were in the ascendancy and Heather Johnson was the provider for Rees who again rounded the keeper and scored for the second time.
Elsewhere 1, late strikes by Jordan Jones and Rebekah Beattie salvaged a point for Ballyclare Ladies.
Leading 3-1 going into the final quarter, bottom-of-the-table Victorians were on course to collect all three points, until the hosts staged a late revival.
Ballyclare had started promisingly with an early strike by Suzanne Dickey.