Senior Netball Team Reaches NI Plate Final

On Wednesday 28th February, Banbridge Academy Senior Netball team played against St Malachy’s in the semi-final of the NI Plate.

After being narrowly defeated by St Malachy’s earlier in the season, the Banbridge team were determined to come back better than ever.

Attack was strong in the first quarter with Sarah McCandless (WA) and Hannah Houston (C), allowing shooters Louise Priestley (GS) and Gemma Hassan (GA) to score 5 goals. The quarter ended with a score of 7-5 to St Malachy’s.

In the second quarter, Jessica Thompson (GS) joined Gemma in attack, and the girls managed to get a further 5 goals. Zara Sloan (C) replaced Hannah for this quarter and worked hard to keep possession of the ball. Defenders Emily Wright (GD) and Emma Boyd (GK) tightened their marking and with the help of Lauren McCourt (WD), took the lead from St Malachy’s. This meant the first half ended with a score of 10-9.

With Hannah and Aimèe Dickson (WD) back in play, the team managed to maintain their lead throughout the third quarter. With excellent defence from Emma and Emily, this quarter ended with a score of 16-14 to Banbridge Academy.

The match intensified in the final quarter with a win in sight. Banbridge defence prevented serveral goals from St Malachy’s, while their attack remained strong with a further 2 goals. The match ended with a score of 18-17 to Banbridge Academy.

Overall an outstanding victory for the team. The team will now play in the final of the NI Plate on Wednesday 21st March in Lisburn Raquets club. Player of the match was Emily Wright. Well done girls!!