Banbridge Academy 2nd XI girls played Larne Grammar School in the McDowell Cup quarter final on Saturday 25 January. This was the last of three Northern Ireland Cup Quarter Finals that the Academy girls’ hockey teams had faced in the same week – an unbelievable achievement for the girls and Mrs Todd, Head of Girls Hockey and PE.

The match was very even with a gutsy performance from Larne, who proved to be very resilient and difficult to break down. However, in the 3rd quarter the home girls found the goal, which remained the only score to separate the two sides until the final whistle. The 2nd XI Girls are now into the semi-finals of their Northern Ireland School Cup – The McDowell Cup. It has been an outstanding week for the Academy girls’ hockey teams as both the 1st XI and 2nd XI girls’ hockey teams are now in the semi-finals of their respective cup competitions – a fantastic achievement for the girls and their coaches.