Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey Under-15s – Richardson Cup Winners

Ulster Schools’ Richardson Cup Final

Banbridge Academy 5 – 0 Royal Belfast Academical Institution

The Banbridge Academy U15 team convincingly won the Richardson Cup last Thursday evening at the Playball Arena to become the Ulster Schools’ U15 Champions.

After several tight matches earlier in the season between the Academy and RBAI, this was expected to be a close final.  The match started as expected with both teams being nervously defensive but RBAI had the best of the early chances, with Banbridge goalkeeper James McCoy making a number of impressive saves.

The Academy sprung to life mid-way through the first half when, from their first penalty corner, captain Ben Thompson fired the ball high into the side net to give Bann the lead to the delight of the large support.  By half time, the lead had been doubled.  Adam McKee played a wonderful through ball to Alfie Norris who was brought down to give the Academy their second penalty corner.  With everyone’s eyes on Thompson, McKee stepped up this time to drag the ball across the keeper into the far corner.

Coaches Simon Jess and Colin Walker were thrilled with the half-time lead and the Academy boys grew in confidence throughout the second half.  Max Nicholson and James Macauley worked tirelessly to thwart any RBAI attacks and Mark Hanna was a constant threat breaking from midfield.  McKee further increased the lead when he stole the ball before going on a solo run and slipping the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.

After a succession of penalty corners, the ball eventually fell perfectly for Charlie Tumilty to slot in goal number four.  McKee looked certain to complete his hat-trick when Josh Osborne fed him from midfield but McKee rounded the goalkeeper only to see the ball bobble just wide of the post.  However, McKee was determined not to miss out and just before the final whistle he scored to make it 5-0 and earn his well-deserved treble.

The immaculate Ben Thompson lifted high the Richardson Cup to cap a remarkable season for the Academy’s U15 side.

Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey U15 Squad:

James McCoy(GK), Ben Thompson(c), Adam McKee, Max Nicholson, Drew Copeland, Ryan Jess, Mark Hanna, Ollie Small, Alfie Norris, Tom Mawhinney, Shaun Ward, Michael McHugh, Josh Osborne, Charlie Tumilty, James Macauley, Adam Ewart, Sam Bingham