Harlequins Mens Hockey Match Report

- Harlequins 2nds qualify for Top Five in the Munster First Division -

Belvedere 3 - Harlequins (B)3

(h.t. 2 - 2)

Mens Munster Division 1

5th January 2002

Scorers: P. O'Driscoll, David Egner, David Lombard

I The seconds achieved their goal of top five qualification with a very exciting 3-3 draw against Belvedere in Ballincollig on Saturday. Quins began strongly & created 3 very good scoring opportunities but failed to hit the target on each occasion. Belvedere played their way into the game & took the lead from a short corner 15 minutes into the game. Five minutes later Quins replied with a fine flicked short corner from Philip O'Driscoll. Two minutes before half time Quins broke the full length of the pitch & David Egner scored with a tremendous shot from the top of the circle. It looked as if Quins would take a deserved lead into the half time break. However, from the restart a complete lapse in concentration caused Quins to lose possession & Belvedere capitalised to equalise on the stroke of half time.

Into the second half & Quins continued to dominate possession but were always in trouble to very swift Belvedere counter attacks. In one of these attacks Belvedere restored their lead with a good strike from the top of the circle. Within 10 minutes Quins equalised again when a fine pass from Smokie was deflected into the net by Ducksie. Quins pressed forward but failed to make the most of good possession. Belvedere pressed forward for the last five minutes & were rewarded with a penalty stroke 4 minutes from time. Nigel Bryan made a good save & Quins held on for the 2 points required for top five qualification.