WOW SPORTS NEWS WITH DOCSPORT: Winter catch up
Despite the usual adverse weather conditions that come with this time of year, there were still plenty of local sporting events to attend in November and December.
We begin with football, and in the Fermanagh and Western Division 2 the Omagh Hospitals comfortably defeated Maguiresbridge 4-1 at Donnellys Holm, with the help of a Tomas Flanagan hattrick. Elsewhere in Division 2, Strule United continued their positive start to the season with a 4-1 victory over Dunbreen Rovers at Youth Sport Omagh, despite trailing 1-0 at half time.
Moving on to Division 1, and the mercer league champions, Starthroy Harps, recorded a solid 8-0 victory over Lisnaskea Rovers, with captain Aidan McCaffrey leading the way by chipping in with 4 of the team’s goals.
Away from the Fermanagh and Western leagues and to the Northern Ireland Intermediate league, where Ardstraw FC defeated Newbuildings FC 4-0 under the Friday night lights of Vaughan’s holm. Goals came from Sammy McKevley (2), Andrew Sproule and Kyle Mills.
In the Irish League it proved to be a mixture of positive and negative results for Dungannon Swifts who suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Crusaders FC at Stagmore Park, but went on to claim a 1-0 victory and the bragging rights over mid ulster opponents Ballinamallard United at Ferney Park on Boxing Day, thanks to a headed goal from defender David Armstrong.
In GAA, an outstanding 2
nd half performance from Slaughtneil Robert Emmets saw them overcome a battling Kilcar side at Healy Park to reach their 2
nd consecutive GAA Ulster Senior Fotball Club final. They went on to win the title for the third time in four years, defeating Cavan Gaels.
In the Northern Ireland Basketball League, Omagh Thunder continued their unbeaten run with key victories over Queens Eagles and Andersonstown Tigers to maintain their positive status in the Mens Division 1.
Finally in the Elite Ice Hockey league the Stena line Belfast Giants returned to winning ways in a full house SSE arena (Belfast) after 3 consecutive home defeats with a 9-4 win over the Manchester Storm in an extremely entertaining game which included 4 goals from star forward Steve Saviano.
Congratulations too to all the teams and individuals who gained success throughout November and December! I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy New Year. We can look forward to some great local sport throughout 2018!