Richardson Cup – U15 Squad

Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey Under 15 squad are comfortably through to the quarter-finals of the Richardson Cup after a 4-1 victory away at Friends’ School Lisburn. With goalkeeper James Finlay a virtual spectator throughout, an early goal from Louis Rowe and a Cody Large penalty corner drag-flick saw the Academy boys 2-0 up at half-time.  Nathan Reid and Matthew McKee doubled the lead in the second half before Friends’ scored a consolation goal from a penalty corner in the final minute.  The Academy will face a tougher challenge next as they welcome Sullivan Upper to Havelock Park on Tuesday 5^th March for a 2:30pm hit-off.

Squad: James Finlay, Luke Watt, Charlie Rowe, Louis Rowe, Cameron McCombe, Seb Best, Nathan Reid, Jordan Nummy, Cody Large, Kian Bingham, Jack McFarland, Charlie Keery, Tommy Dobson, Matthew McKee, Spencer Collie, Ben Pollock

Ferris Cup – U14 Squad

Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey Under 14 Squad find themselves in the semi-final of the Ferris Cup after two dominate wins on the road. Firstly they travelled to Regent House only to find a doggedly defensive display from the home side.  Despite having the vast majority of possession, the Academy were only 1-0 in front at half-time after a goal from substitute Matthew Stevenson.  Eventually in the second half, the pressure told on the Regent defence and they crumbled under the sublime passing and movement of Mr Cordner’s side.  Two goals from Matthew McKee and Jake Rainer, a goal each from Matthew Spence and Spencer Collie, alongside another from Stevenson, racked up a deserved final score of 8-0.

Exactly a week later the U14 squad achieved another large scoreline in North Down as they defeated Bangor Grammar 5-0. An early goal from Tommy Dobson set the tone as the Academy were 3-0 in front at the break after further goals from Simon Ferris and Ben Farson.  In the second half, Matthew McKee was a constant threat to the Bangor defence but Spencer Collie stole the eye as he first set up Daniel McHugh for number four, before lashing in the final goal himself.

The Academy boys now await the winner from Sullivan versus RBAI to see who they meet in the semi-final.

Squad: Conor Part, Joshua Moles, Tom Hamilton, Morgan Murphy, Matthew Stevenson, Simon Ferris, Tommy Dobson, Lewis Cousins, Ben Farson, Thomas Cunningham, Jake Rainer, Matthew Spence, Matthew McKee, Spencer Collie, Ben Pollock, Daniel McHugh.

Bannister Bowl – U13 Squad

Havelock Park was the setting for the first round of the Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey Under 13 Squad’s

Campaign in this season’s Bannister Bowl, as the talented Banbridge Academy squad was prepped and ready to take on Sullivan Upper.

The game started at a lively pace, with Bann making a positive and strong start. Ben Walker made the first breakthrough early in the game.  After a great run down the right hand side of the pitch, he drew the opposition defenders along the base-line and neatly moved past them to slot the ball inside the net, giving the boys the lead.

Bann continued to move the ball well and dominated much of the possession in the first half. Youngster Adam McKee made it 2-0 after 10 minutes when his forward presence in the circle saw him pounce on a loose ball and fire it into the goal.

Sullivan tried to work back to win possession but the Bann boys continued to press well and maintained their great work rate with Josh Brownlee showing his pace and skill up front. There was great work from Jonah Lutton and with the boys passing the ball well, their efforts were rewarded by a driving shot from the energetic Matthew Stevenson who used his strength and power to good effect.

Just before half time, Bann got their fourth goal, with Daniel Reid making a super run into the D and drilling the ball past the Sullivan keeper.

The second half began with a steely Sullivan determined to make an impact. Gaining more possession, the Sullivan boys worked hard, but a solid defensive trio of Joshua Cash, Caleb Briggs and Aaron Baxter worked hard to close down the Sullivan attacks.  The Bann midfield pressed well throughout, with fantastic performances from Matthew Spence, Jonny McCrum and Noah Lutton.  Bann keeper, Denver Golbey, had a solid performance, keeping any Sullivan attacks at bay.

As the game developed there was increased possession for Bann, with Elijah Carr working well in forward attacks. After some lovely passing there was a tremendous strike by Lukas Moles as he slipped home the fifth goal past the Sullivan keeper.

A super start to the cup by an enthusiastic squad of young players. In the next round, the boys travel to Campbell College on Friday 1^st March for a 2:30pm hit off.

Squad: Denver Golbey, Calum Clement, Matthew Stevenson, Aaron Baxter, Caleb Briggs, Joshua Cash, Tom Brown, Noah Lutton, Matthew Spence, Lukas Moles, Ben Walker, Jonathan McCrum, Josh Brownlee, Adam McKee, Daniel Reid, Jonah Lutton, Elijah Carr

For information about Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey and details of all fixtures, follow @BAboyshockey Twitter feed.