(Bob Hall Sports Photography)
The Electric Ireland NIWFA League returned with a bang, some fifty teams getting their season underway and netting 151 goals.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Promoted teams Ballyclare Comrades and Lisburn Rangers got off to fliers, the Comrades overpowering Comber Rec 12-0 with four-goal hauls from Gracie Conway and Aimee Kerr in front of over 200 spectators, whilst Lisburn won 6-0 at another Championship debutant in Bangor. St.James Swifts overcame dogged opposition in Belfast Celtic, eventually wining 3-1 aided by two goals from Megan Copeland.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
St Oliver Plunkett opened their campaign with a comfortable 4-0 victory against Camlough Rovers. Armagh City defeated Kilmore Rec 3-2 and Larne Olympic beat Ballynahinch Ladies 2-0.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
There were opening week wins for Ambassadors who defeated Portadown, Ballymoney United who won away at Ballymena United, Rosario who overcame Belfast Ravens and Greenisland who disposed of Ballyclare Comrades Reserves.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Three of the four games ended with the visitors taking the points, as 22nd Ladies won beat Shamrock, Strabane defeated Craigavon and Banbridge saw off Dromara Village. The only exception was Lisburn Ladies Swifts, who eased home with victory over Moneyslane.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
Lisbellaw United lead the way following a thumping away win at Mid Ulster Reserves, although Lisburn Distillery are hot on their heels following an equally impressive win over Futuro Falcons. Draperstown had a convincing win over Comber Rec Reserves, whilst Maiden City came out on tops in a eight-goal thriller at Banbridge Rangers.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
A number of closer encounters saw new side Lisburn Rangers Athletic defeat First Bangor, Belfast Ravens Seconds edge Belfast Celtic Reserves and Ballymoney United Reserves get the better of Raceview.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
Division Six consists entirely of new teams to the NIWFA, and it was Ballynahinch Olympic who made the biggest mark with a strong result over Donegal Celtic. Belfast Swifts also started well with victory over Rathfriland, Bloomfield won at Shorts and St Marys overcame Ards Rangers.
