On Thursday 8 February we all arrived at Havelock at 3.30pm eager and determined to gain victory against the Royal School Armagh. We knew this game would be the toughest match so far in our season.  Concentration, determination and excitement were evident among the team during our warm-up as everyone knew we had to play our best to become victorious.

At 5.15pm when the whistle blew and the game commenced a large crowd cheered on both teams as we played an exciting game of high quality hockey. At the 5 minute mark the Royal School Armagh were awarded a penalty corner resulting in the first score of the match.  Undeterred we kept our composure and worked as a team, drawing on our skills and determination.  We dominated the first half, however, despite our hard work we were unable to secure a goal.

Late on in the second half, still in control of the game, we were awarded several penalty corners; still striving for a goal to equalise. With only 3 minutes left to play, Nadia Benallal utilised her skills to gain another penalty corner.  Rapidly running out of time Ellen Reid took control of the ball and rewarded the team’s efforts with an equalising goal.

With a quick turnaround silver goal extra time commenced. In the last 2 minutes of play we were awarded another penalty corner.  We all watched as the ball hurtled towards the goal, deflected off the first runner and was delivered into the net by Katie, winning us the game and a place in the Schools’ Cup Semi Final!

Katie McKee

Captain Banbridge Academy 1^st XI