REGENT and Glenlola produced a dramatic and fiercely contested derby in the Ulster Hockey Senior Plate Final at Civil Service on Saturday afternoon, with Glenlola eventually edging the contest 2-1 after a tense round of penalty runs.
The two local rivals, meeting for the first time this season, delivered a gripping encounter on the water-based pitch, with momentum swinging repeatedly across four quarters and into the shootout.
Regent, who had pass back for the 3pm start, immediately signalled their intent. An early ball from Lottie Wilson carved out the first attacking opportunity, and within three minutes Regent had earned the opening penalty corner of the match. Glenlola’s defence held firm, clearing the danger.
Despite Regent dominating territory and possession throughout the first quarter, Glenlola absorbed the pressure well.
With just two minutes remaining in the opening period, they won a penalty corner of their own, only for first runner Daisy McGuigan to produce an excellent block.
Regent responded instantly. Isla Henry picked up an early ball and surged down the left wing, her run helping Anna McMillan to win another attacking corner with just 20 seconds left in the quarter. The straight strike was well saved by the Glenlola goalkeeper, Mia Smyth, keeping the match scoreless.
The second quarter opened at a frantic pace, with both sides trading attacking chances. Regent won another corner inside four minutes, but again the Glenlola keeper stood strong.
Moments later, right back Daisy McGuigan tidied up a Glenlola attack and launched a counter-break, finding Heidi Logan in the circle. Logan showed great composure to slot the ball home, giving Regent a deserved 1-0 lead.
Glenlola began the second half with renewed purpose, controlling much of the early play. Regent were forced to defend deep, with Eva Patton and captain Rebecca Webster producing crucial tackles to keep their side in front.
The final quarter, however, saw Glenlola’s pressure finally tell. They equalised within two minutes of the restart, levelling the match at 1-1. With eight minutes remaining, Glenlola earned another penalty corner and converted a well-worked routine to take a 2-1 lead.
Regent refused to fold. Straight from the restart, Logan struck again‚ her second of the day‚ coolly finishing to bring the match back to 2-2 with five minutes remaining.
Glenlola threatened once more with a corner four minutes from time, sending a similar routine wide of the back post. Neither side could find a winner in open play, sending the final to penalty runs.
Penalty Drama
Regent’s penalty takers were: Rebecca Webster, Lottie Wilson, Emma Hutchinson, Aimee Park, and Gabby Scates.
The penalty shootout was a tense affair, with both goalkeepers producing outstanding saves throughout. Regent’s opening effort was stopped before Hannah Patton denied Glenlola’s first attempt in reply. Glenlola edged ahead 1-0. Emma Hutchinson responded with superb skill to make it 1-1, and Patton continued her excellent form with two further saves.
With the scores level, the final moved to sudden death. Glenlola ultimately converted the decisive run to secure a 2-1 victory and lift the Senior Plate.
Despite the narrow defeat, Regent delivered a superb performance full of intensity, resilience, and quality. Glenlola matched them stride for stride, and the final will be remembered as a showcase of local rivalry at its best.
Both teams left everything on the pitch in a thrilling contest worthy of the occasion.
Goal scorers for Regent: Heidi Logan x2, Emma Hutchinson (penalty runs).
Goal scorers for Glenlola: Anna Jackson, Matilda Urry, Anna Jackson (penalty runs), Vanessa Monaghan (penalty runs).
Regent POM: Daisy McGuigan.
Glenlola POM: Vanessa Monaghan and Mia Smyth.
