LOCH LOMOND’S first team saw the curtain come down on their 2019 fixtures with a 3-2 loss to their Troon counterparts in dreadful weather at Hermitage Academy on Saturday.

The rain poured and the wind blew from the moment the teams stepped out for their warm-up, but Loch Lomond started strongly, facing into both the rain and wind, and were rewarded when a short corner was converted into the opening goal thanks to a fabulous straight strike by Vanesa Sabala.

Troon scored a fortunate equaliser as they gained more of a foothold on the game, but Loch Lomond had the better of the first half, with plenty of play around the opposition goal.

Eliza Ritchie put the hosts back in front just before the break, controlling a deflection with some great stick-work before reverse-flicking the ball into the net to put Loch Lomond 2-1 in front at the interval.

READ MORE: A hard day at home for Loch Lomond Hockey Club

After Vicki Perry’s half-time team talk, Loch Lomond started the second half positively, with some nice flowing play through the middle between Sue Aitken and Sharon Crossan – only for Troon to equalise against the run of play.

The worsening weather conditions eventually took their toll on the home team as Troon grabbed the winner after a run from midfield and a nice ball to their striker, who dribbled past Heather Smith before knocking the ball home.

Despite the result, there were lots of positives to take away and learn from in this match as Loch Lomond go into their festive break and prepare to come back raring to go in January.

The Player of the Match award deservedly went to Eliza Ritchie, while Troon gave their Loch Lomond player of the match award to Kim McCallion.

Many thanks to Andy Richardson for umpiring.

Squad: Heather Smith, Sue Aitken, Zoe Canty, Sharon Crossan, Sophia McDermott, Hannah Collier, Vanessa Sabala, Bongi Tshabalala, Ali Smith, Eliza Ritchie, Kim McCallion, Heather Cullen, Kirsty Cordner.

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