The green machine!

RANDALSTOWN Ladies Hockey Club put in a commanding performance to secure the Ulster Senior Cup with a 4-1 victory over Dungannon, showcasing clinical finishing, resolute defending, and an exciting blend of experience and youth.

Randalstown set the tone early with a well-worked opening goal. Ella McCooke, attacking down the left, threaded a pinpoint pass into the circle, forcing a Dungannon defender to concede a penalty corner.

Randalstown executed the corner perfectly with Claire Gillespie injecting the ball to Erin Murdock who slipped it to Alex Graham.

Alex found Stacey Catterson in space - and Stacey made no mistake, firing the ball into the back of the net to give Randalstown a deserved lead after only 1 minute and 38 seconds.

Randalstown continued to press and were soon rewarded with a second goal. A fierce attack saw Dungannon stop the ball on the line with a foot, resulting in a penalty stroke. Claire Gillespie stepped up confidently and coolly converted, doubling Randalstown’s advantage.

The third goal was a moment of individual brilliance from Aimee Logan, who dribbled determinedly into the circle before unleashing a powerful, straight strike that found the back of the net.

With the score sitting 3 – 0 at half time Randalstown knew they had a massive challenge ahead to keep Dungannon at bay.

At the back, the central defensive duo of Rebecca Kennedy and Kerry Coulter were outstanding, controlling the play and keeping Dungannon’s attacks at bay.

Erin Murdock and Ashley Clearly also made a series of vital tackles, disrupting Dungannon’s rhythm and launching counterattacks.

Alex Graham was a constant threat on the left-hand side, dominating her channel and linking up superbly with teammates throughout the match.

Randalstown’s fourth and final goal was the product of this superb team play. Holly Steele-Nicholson drove up the middle of the pitch before switching play left. The ball bobbled into the circle, where Stacey Catterson was on hand to bury the loose ball and seal her brace.

Dungannon continued to battle and scored a goal from a penalty corner, were also awarded a penalty stroke late in the game, but Randalstown’s goalkeeper Holly McDowell produced another fantastic save, underlining her reputation as a big-game player.

Randalstown’s future looks bright, with young stars Farrah Park, Emily Wray, Grace Cowden, and Arianna Drysdale all making valuable contributions and showcasing their considerable talent on the big stage.

Randalstown’s victory was a testament to their teamwork, tactical discipline, and the exciting mix of experienced heads and emerging talent.

There was a huge team thank you to Ryan McMaster the 1st XI coach for his belief and determination to lead the girls to victor.

There were also thanks to Scott Higginson, Shauna Park, Cate Graham, Jade Lamont, and all the supporters who helped in making the win possible.

Congratulations to Randalstown Ladies Hockey Club, 2025 Ulster Senior Cup champions!