Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey 1^st XI find themselves in the tie of the round again in the first stage of this season’s John Minnis Estate Agents Burney Cup.  After losing out at Wallace High in last season’s Round 1, the Academy again play another Lisburn powerhouse with Friends’ School visiting Banbridge this Wednesday.

The Sinton’s at the Bridge and Prentice BMW Mini sponsored side have been close to success this season only to suffer two devastating 1-0 defeats. They fought magnificently through the Irish Schools’ Championships in October, defeating Dublin favourites Wesley College and St Andrew’s en route to the final where they agonisingly lost to this season’s surprise quantity Newtown School.  The McCullough Cup also ended disappointingly at the end of November when Sullivan Upper scored a late goal to snatch victory and knock out the Academy boys.

The Academy team has plenty of experience winning big games with all of the squad having won either the Burney, McCullough or Richardson cups in recent years. Captain Scott Dale is hugely knowledgeable having represented Ulster and Ireland at both Under 16 and Under 18 age groups and leads this group by example with a determined, professional attitude.  At the back, the maturity of Ryan Simms and Lewis Bingham has helped youngster Charlie Rowe develop into a robust defensive force.  Harry Lockhart’s return to form after early season injury has been a huge asset to the team and his adaptability allows flexibility to the teams formation.  Young star Edward Rowe has been a revelation this season and his development at both school and club level has been spectacular.  Two other midfielders who have been making their mark with Banbridge Hockey Club 1^st XI are Mark Barlow and Mark Cowan.  Barlow has scored important goals all season and Cowan’s influence grows in every game.  However Cowan is currently a doubt for Wednesday’s game due to a foot injury.  Philip Campbell’s energy in the forward line in infectious and he never lets any defence settle.  Luke McConnell’s flair and Chris Curry’s determination have created many opportunities for their team-mates and with Louis Rowe chipping in with the odd goal, there is much to be positive about from this Academy side.

To make it through to the next round of the Burney Cup the Academy lads have to overcome a dangerously efficient Friends’ side. Friends’ failed to make it out of their group in the Irish Schools’ and then lost out in the McCullough Cup semi-finals but they are a side full of Ulster and Irish representatives.  Banbridge coach Simon Jess will not underestimate the task in hand but he will be encouraged by some great performances from his team since Christmas.  The Academy have drawn 3-3 with McCullough winners Wallace High and defeated McCullough semi-finalists Methodist College 5-0 in recent weeks.  With a good crowd expected, all eyes will be on Havelock Park this Wednesday with the game hitting off at 2:30pm.

Squad to be selected from:

Scott Dale, Ross Stewart, Elliott Haw, Ryan Simms, Lewis Bingham, Charlie Rowe, Harry Lockhart, Edward, Rowe, Mark Cowan, Lewis Groves, Mark Barlow, Philip Campbell, Luke McConnell, Christopher Curry, Louis Rowe, Matthew McClimonds, Cody Large, Luke Watt

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