The 2010/2011 season started like any other, we had been fortunate enough over the summer months to secure the services of a new club coach and pre-season started in earnest. Shortly before the first competitive ball was hit though, our coach stepped down for personal reasons and what felt like a huge setback at the time turned out to be the catalyst for an unforgettable season.


At the start of the league we took each game as it came, and as each win was achieved our confidence grew and also our expectations for the season. By Christmas time we were unbeated in all Ulster competitions and suddenly realised that winning the league was a real possibility. This realisation brought pressure with every game and also the knowledge that just one dropped point could mean second place in the Premiership.


The Ulster Shield was our first taste of success. In the early stagesof the final against Ulster Elks we played our best hockey of the season. Dynamic movement up front and dominance in mid-field gave us a two goal advantage in the first 20 minures and from that we never looked back. At the final whistle we were delighted to lift the club's first piece of silverware in 10 years.


Winning the league was still in our hands with only a few games remaining. A crunch game against Pegasus at Ballymoney produced some nervous moments but ended in a scoreless draw, leaving the Premiership title still within our grasp.


The penultimate game of the season against Harlequins found us two down within 25 minutes. However, an inspiring half-time chat from Nikki Parke had a different team step on to the pitch for the second period and we came back to win 4-2.


Our last game against Armagh away would decide the destiny of the title. We did not play our best, but it felt like it was just meant to be as we overcame a one goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory and with that were crowned champions.

Susie Martin