We caught up with Pegasus, for the second time this season, in the all Ulster derby against Belfast Harlequins on Wednesday night at The Dub. In an entertaining and sometimes chippy encounter the defending champions were able to hold off a strong challenge from the visitors and record a 2 – 1 win.
Pegasus applied most of the pressure in the first quarter but Quins looked dangerous on the break and they started to find some joy down the right, particularly when the hard working Jenna Watt joined the attack.
However, it was a break through the middle that opened the scoring in the closing minutes of the quarter with Kathryn Smiley hitting a well placed shot from distance to give Quins a 0 – 1 lead.
There was still time for Pegasus to respond and they went straight back up the pitch for “goal machine” Ella Armstrong to find the net and take the score to 1 – 1 at the end of the first quarter.
A cagey second quarter ensued and Quins looked to be getting on top with a series of attacks. Despite the pressure seeing Pegasus players Lucy McKee and Alex Speers green carded the visitors were unable to take advantage and the half ended without further score.
Pegasus moved up a gear in the second half and their all over press shut the door on Quins building from the back as more and more passes out went dead. The champions were able to control the tempo and they made Quins work hard in defence.
The breakthrough came on the 42nd minute with Taite Doherty finishing off some strong work down the left by Niamh McIvor and Speers to give Pegasus a 2 – 1 lead.
There was still time for plenty of action and Quins worked hard to get back on parity in an exciting final quarter. However, the experienced Pegasus side held firm and controlled possession with the hard working Armstrong getting plenty of ball to keep the Quins defence on their toes.
Final score: Pegasus 2 Belfast Harlequins 1.
Gallery Below
Really enjoyed this game and there are over 330 images below, though they may be a little grainy with the low light, tough they’ll be dead on for social and mobile.
Standings after Week 2 in the EYHL Women
| TEAM | P | W | D | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Railway Union | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 |
| UCD | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Pembroke Wanderers | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Old Alex | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Pegasus | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Catholic Institute | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Loreto Hockey Club | 2 | 0 | 1 | -3 | 1 |
| Muckross | 2 | 0 | 1 | -4 | 1 |
| Cork Harlequins | 2 | 0 | 1 | -6 | 1 |
| Belfast Harlequins | 2 | 0 | 0 | -4 | 0 |
