Banbridge Academy Senior Boys’ Hockey – who in season 2021 broke yet more new ground by having no less than 14 players represent Ulster U16 and Ulster U18. #excellencethroughtradition

The Ulster 16 boys journeyed to Scotland for a much awaited 3 match series against the U17 Scotland squad.  The locals won the first game 4-1 playing extremely well despite the travel and early start, with goals from Ollie Berry, Josh Brownlee and Ben Pollock under Captain Tommy Dobson.

On match day 2, the Scots were frustrated with their loss on the previous day and brought in some new players to strengthen their squad.  Ulster started slowly, conceding early, but quickly switched on and scored an equaliser through a Ben Pollock goal followed very quickly by a goal from Matthew McKee, to put the boys in front before the half time break.  Ulster started well in the second half scoring an early goal through Joshua Brownlee leaving them 3-1 up.  They continued to push forward and Ben Pollock scored a fourth goal, doubling his tally, just before the end of the third quarter. Scotland began the fourth quarter scoring one goal early on, but found the Ulster defence stern and the game ended 4-2, a convincing victory for the Ulster boys and a great performance from all.

The final game, Captained by Academy forward Matthew McKee, got Ulster off to an excellent start scoring a wonderful goal in the first minutes of the match through Ollie Berry.  However, they were fatigued from previous games and the Scottish cleverly took advantage of this equalising before the end of the first half.  Unfortunately Ulster never quite got back into the game, conceding two goals in the last quarter losing 3-1 to a strong Scottish side.

Ulster 16 boys won the series convincingly with 2 wins and 1 loss against an older Scottish Team and Captained by both Academy Players Tommy Dobson and Matthew McKee.

Coaches: Scott McCandless, Colin Walker

Banbridge Academy representatives:

Aaron Baxter, Joshua Brownlee, James Evans, Denver Golbey, Ben Pollock, Matthew McKee, Tommy Dobson, Adam McKee, Matthew Spence, Matthew Stevenson and Ben Walker.

Academy Represent the LIONS in England!

The Ulster Lions made the trip to BEESTON in late June, a very worthwhile event returning 5^th from a group of the top 12 National sides at U13 level.  The Squad, coached by ex-Academy Head Boy, Mr Lee Tumilty and Portadown HC stalwarts, Paul Bennett, Scott Watson and Mr Jonny Harper, found some real form with wins over Staffs Marauders 2-0, South Saxons 6-5 on run downs.  The locals, made up of players from Banbridge, Cookstown, Lisnagarvey and Portadown lost out to West Panthers 3-1 and eventual winners Tensworth 5-3.

A tremendous experience for Academy players James Macauley and Owen Dobson, who had the chance to play against the best and forge lifelong hockey friendships.

Our thanks to all the travelling parents and the images below include shots of ex Head Boy Mr Lee Tumilty with the two Academy Players.