WEEKEND PREVIEW:
South Antrim v Newry
The men in Red and Black travel to take on the men Black and Red. A victory would mean breathing space between South and the bottom 3 in the Premier League, Newry being one of them. The lad defeated Newry by just a solitary goal in the Kirk Cup meeting, it'll be a different game this time about out on the sandy Newry Olympic pitch.
South Antrim 3rds v Cliftonville 2nds
The boys will look to maintain their 100% record in Junior 4 when they travel to Cliftonville. They are, however, without captain and keeper Ashley Sloan. But with other such authoritative seniors such as George Glass and Stephen Hood, some one is sure to be shouting on the pitch.
South Antrim 4ths v South Antrim 5ths
The big one, El Clasico, the battle to end all battles. Where Trevor's youthful style meets Gaz's laissez faire attitude. Hamilton vs McElhinney. Bragging rights are there to be won. The two teams are level on points at this early stage in the season. Sure to be a corker, 5pm hit off at FSL.
South Antrim Ladies 1sts v Ards 3rds
South Ladies travel to Newtownards in the Intermediate Cup, Which is somewhere between the Beginner Cup and the Expert Cup. Off the back of a hard earned draw against Inst the Ladies might fancy their chances in this one.
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v Queens Ladies 5ths
The newly formed Ladies 3rds' second game ever is in the Minor Cup, against Queens Ladies 5ths. It may be possible that South put out the only team in the country younger than Queens' team of Student, with the majority of the girl being of school age.
WEEKEND PREVIEW:
South Antrim v NICS
One of 2 games to be played under the Friday night lights. South played well in their last fixture against North Down. NICS have had an up and down season so far, key to getting a result will be hardwork and effort, oh and stopping Barnes' drag flicks. Hit off is 7:30 at FSL, all support welcome.
South Antrim 2nds v Cookstown 2nds
After a narrow loss against Banbridge 2nds last week, Ian's men have the comparatively easy task of an away game to Cookstown 2nds, who sit a mere 3rd in Junior 1, compared to Bann's 2nd. Good luck Ian.
South Antrim 3rds v Mossley 4ths
A home game for the 3rds against Mossley 4ths, South sit top of the league with three wins from three. In second place are Mossley 4ths on 6 points. These sides met in the League Cup, Mossley coming out on top on that occasion, 2-1. George Glass has netted 5 times in his last 3 games, Paddy Power have odds on him scoring again at 3-1.
South Antrim 4ths v Belfast Harlequins 3rds
A repeat of the League Cup fixture, away again, South won 4-0 on that occasion. With top scorer Alan Hamilton Junior in the side, there are goals a plenty on offer. Ian McElhenny's last goals came against this team six weeks ago.
South Antrim 5ths v Ballymena 1sts
An away trip for the 5ths, A tough game for the Lisburn youngsters. The 4ths did well to earn a draw on their trip north. Lets hope Ben Faulkner is on form as he seems to be the lynch pin of the team, from what I read in reports anyway.
South Antrim Ladies v Instonians Ladies
The second of the two games to be played tomorrow under the lights. The in-form ladies travel to Shawsbridge for 7.15 hit off against the slightly more in-form Instonians Ladies. This could turn out to be a major match in deciding the title come season end so lets hope they bag the points.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v South Antrim Ladies 3rds
Originally billed to be playing Lisnagarvey Ladies 5ths. These are always great games due to the friendly rivalry, but the Hillsborough side got scared and pulled out, in fact they pulled out of the league altogether. The Ladies formed a 3rds and took their place and now be have an intra-club rivalry, even better. Not likely to be as fiesty as the Mens 4s vs 5s games we're all waiting for, but will be a good game nonetheless.
South Antrim Ladies 3rds v South Antrim Ladies 2nds
Carol Redpath, the master mind behind forming the Ladies Club 4 years ago, is fittingly named the captain of the Ladies Club's newest addition, the 3rds. I can't tell you much more since nobody knows the team yet, but its likely to be mostly schoolgirls, like our young men's 5ths.
WEEKEND PREVIEW:
The 1sts have no game.
South Antrim 2nds v Banbridge 2nds
Another clash with a Junior 1 titan, the 2s travel to Banbridge to take on Bann 2s. These sides met in the Junior 1 League Cup. Bann came out on top in a match that ended 4-1. It would be a big upset to win but Ian Glass has the luxury of full squad this week, since the 1sts can't poach players. He's likely to recall John Semple, Jack Redpath and James Brown and maybe a few other to fill out the match card.
South Antrim 3rds v Newry 3rds
A 1pm hit off at home. Sure to be a fiesty one. It seems Kurtis Gamble and George Glass are the goal machines for Ashley Sloan's 3rds, lets hope they can provide again. Ashley suggested to his players to all have Zombie face paints in the spirit of Halloween. The motion was rejected.
South Antrim 4ths v Lisnagarvey 6ths
This is a home encounter for the Lisburn side, a 2.30 hit off. Ian McElhenny is experiencing somewhat of a goal drought, having scored 5 times in his first game and 2 more in his second, Ian hasn't hit the net since. But one man's loss is another man's gain, the void has been filled by the King of Goals, Alan Hamilton Junior. Junior has been smashing them in and is tied top goal scorer with Neil Wilson at present.
South Antrim 5ths v Belfast Harlequins 3rds
The 4ths recorded a good win against this side in the cup. Since having lost Peter Davis and John Massey to higher teams, Trevor's team has been struggling for form. Not better time to find it.
The Ladies Club has no games this weekend.
WEEKEND PREVIEW:
South Antrim v Raphoe
The 1sts travel to County Donegal this weekend to play fellow promotees Raphoe. Captain Lee Marshall is back fit to lead the team and Chris Redpath also returns. Raphoe recorded a surprise 3-1 away win over Belfast Harlequins on the opening weekend so they not to be trifled with. Hit off is at 2.30pm for our travelling fans.
South Antrim 2nds v Kilkeel 2nds
The seconds host Kilkeel 2nds at 1pm at FSL. All eyes are on Neil Wilson to see if he can continue his scoring run and oust Ian McElhenny as top goal scorer. Although yet to win a game, the seconds have been very impressive in their cup campaign, getting good results against the big names, but this is the League now, and narrow losses don't get points on the board, the boys will need to be on top form.
South Antrim 3rds v Cookstown 5ths
The 3rds are home to Cookstown 5ths. The 3rds finished 3rd in their Junior League 4 Cup group, not high enough to progress. Cookstown 5ths finished 4th in the other group, so this should be an even game. Can Kurtis Gamble play the hero for the second week in a row?
South Antrim 4ths v Antrim 3rds
The 4ths have qualified from Group B for their League Cup, so we'll keenly track their progress in the Semi-finals later in the season. This however, is their opening league game so will need to grab the points from this game on home turf. Antrim 3rds finished bottom of their group with a solitary point, obtained from our 5ths. Surely this is goal city for Ian MacElhenny and Stu Glenn?
South Antrim 5ths v North Down 5ths
The 5ths travel to Comber to take on North Down 5ths. This is the team that the 4s recorded their infamous 14-1 win against just a month ago. Trevor Wallace will be quietly confident of a win for his team. Simon Taggart and Adam Glass Junior seem to be the go to players for goals so they should enjoy this outing.
BREAKING NEWS: North Down can't field a team and the 5ths take the points, rumour has it their players cowered in fear at the prospect of playing against Trevor Wallace and his cronies.
South Antrim Ladies v Ballynahinch Ladies
Looking to keep their run going after hammering Cooke Ladies last weekend, the Ladies face Ballynahinch away. Hopefully key players Zara Carson and Alex Dugan won't be too haannngiinnn' after their Formal during the week. Ballynahinch have yet to win a game so far this season, good news for the girls in black and red.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Mossley Ladies 4ths
The Ladies 2nds host Mossley 4ths as they look to climb the table, this Mossley team is currently in 5th position in the league, one below the South team, though only by goal difference as both teams have 6 points. Key player Lucy Fitzpatrick is a doubt to be back in time from a school trip to Spain to make the game, the team captain is reportedly questioning her commitment to the team.
WEEKEND PREVIEW
South Antrim v NICS
The firsts' final Kirk Cup group game is against NICS this weekend at 3pm at FSL. Inst have qualified with a game to spare, though play Portadown on Saturday, who have 3 points, Newry have finished on 3 points and are out as NICS have 6 currently. We sit on 3 points as well, so a win puts us in contention as we'd finish level with NICS, I've no idea what happens then though. With a lot to play for, this is sure to be a cracker of a game.
South Antrim 2nds v Annadale 2nds
Another hard fixture for the 2s this week as they take on Annadale 2nds away. Out of the cup now, the seconds will be looking to learn all they can about their opponents before facing them in the league later in the season.
South Antrim 3rds v Mossley 4ths
Having won one and lost one in the Junior 4 League cup, its all to play for for the 3rds. This weekend sees them take on Mossley 4ths away. Short corner specialist George Glass is 1 from 1 so far after his goal against Kilkeel in the opening round, so winning shorts could be key for a South win.
South Antrim 4ths v Down 1sts
Lets hope Gaz Alister can get back to winning ways this weekend. Another ex-Senior 2 team awaits though, in the form of Down 1sts. The young fourths an expect a physical battle, the all out pace of Kurtis Gamble should cause all sorts of problems for the Down defence.
South Antrim 5ths v Antrim 3rds
The 5ths end the weekends games with a 4pm hit off against Antrim 3rds. The 5ths also have a dangerous short corner team, with both John Massey and Peter Davis capable of hammering the ball. They were very impressive last week against Mossley 5ths, Trevor Wallace may well think about starting with the 2 hour warm up again.
South Antrim Ladies v Parkview Ladies
On a roll after consecutive victories (albeit one a forfeit), the Ladies will be looking keep hold of 1st place in Senior 4. They play Parkview away this weekend. Parkview sit 3rd in the league with 3 points, coming against PSNI, whom South beat 4-0 last week in a stellar display.
South Antrim Ladies 2nds v Grosvenor Ladies 4ths
The Ladies currently sit mid table in Junior 7. With a team nearly entirely made up of school girls, every game is a learning experience for the girls who are getting their first taste of Senior hockey. Though with last season's club top scorer Amy Wright in the side they can be sure to net a few goals!
One last thing, Membership fees are now due. You have til the end of the month else you can't play. That would be bad craic, so just pay up.
Weekend Preview:
1sts: No game, on their Kirk Cup rest week as the other four teams duel it out.
2nds: With the 1sts not having a match, this weekend's headline game is the 2s vs Lisnagarvey 3rds at FSL. This week with a full squad to pick from, Captain Ian Glass will be looking to improve upon last weekend's encouraging performance.
3rds: The 3s travel to the Glade to take on Mossley 4ths in the Junior 4 League Cup. Having won one and lost one so far, this is an important game to keep their trophy hopes alive. Now without Steveo McKenzie due to a broke finger obtain against Kilkeel, Ashley Sloan will have to rejig his defence.
4ths: He did it in Lisburn, but can he do it on a cold rainy afternoon in Ballymena? That is the question everyone is asking of 4ths captain Graeme Alister, can he lead his team to a 3rd successive win in the Cup against Ballymena 1sts? Free scoring Ian McElhenny will be key. Self dubbed 'sharp-shooter' Stuart Glenn will also be hoping to get on the score sheet for the 3rd game on the trot.
5ths: Trevor Wallace will be looking to bounce back after last week's defeat, the 5ths take on Mossley 5ths at home. Let's hope his team can bounce the ball off the Mossley backboard a few times and get the win.
Ladies 1sts: They travel to Stormont to take on the PSNI, having won their last game by forfeit, this will be the Ladies first outing of the season. The coachwill be hoping their big contingent of Schoolgirl players will be back in time make the trip.
2nds: Having been beaten by the narrowest of margins in their opening two games, the Ladies 2s will be hoping this is the week to bag a win! They are at home to Banbridge 4ths.
As always, we hope you come down early or stick about after your game to support your club mates, the Balcony Banter is second to none, be part of it. #RABA #OTIL
WEEKEND PREVIEW:
1sts: The men travel to Shawsbridge for a 2.30pm hit off against the competition favourites, Instonians. These two sides haven't met in over 10 years (not counting the Super 9s final) so this will be South Antrim's chance to take on the last of Ulster Hockey remaining heavyweights.
2nds: The 2nds first outing of the season sees them meet Junior hockey titans Bann 2s at FSL at 1pm. With Chris Mark, Darren and Mark Hutchinson all on holiday, and with James Brown and Jack Redpath promoted to the 1sts, this will be a tough game indeed.
3rds: The 3rds take on Campbellians 2nds, in the Junior 4 League Cup at home at 2.30pm. Missing a number of players themselves, the 3rds are going to find this game every bit as tough as last weeks.
4ths: Can captain Graeme Alister improve upon last weeks 14-1 win? They play Quinns 3rds away in Belfast. Ian McElhenny and Alan Hamilton Jnr will again be expected to bag 5 and 4 goals again respectively, but can they do it? Graeme Alister says YES!
5ths: The 5s are away again this week, but not quite so far, just the down the M1 to Portadown to take on their 3rds. Can they do what the 1sts failed to do, and bring the points back to Lisburn?
Ladies 1sts: They've already bagged their points as Ballycastle forfeited with "lack of players". Elaine Aiken & co must be very intimidating...
Ladies 2nds: They follow the Mens 5ths down to Portadown also to play their 3rds, lets hope there's no mix up and they play the right teams *chortle chortle*.
Good luck to all teams and well done to the Ladies 1sts who've already had their luck.
