Three Banbridge Academy Netball teams recently travelled to Lisburn Racquets for the Round 2 matches of the Netball NI School Shield.

The Senior B team were first up against Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor.  Glenlola challenged the girls in every quarter, but the Academy girls pushed hard in the last quarter to stay ahead.  However, the defence by Taylor Barlow and Megan Williams held Glenloa off resulting in player of the match, Grace Wills, having the opportunity to convert her shots to seal a 33-25 win for the Academy.

Katie Mulligan (Captain), Grace Wills (Vice Captain), Lilia McKinney, Taylor Barlow, Eva Hampton, Lois Clydesdale, Eimear Simpson, Katie Scott, Emily Waddell, Ella Scott, Megan Williams

The Junior A team played against Ballymena Academy and again, this was another close match with Ballymena winning the first two quarters 3-1 and 6-4.  At half time the Academy girls knew they had to settle into the game and they gave a strong second half performance.  Player of the match, Gracie Johnston, made numerous excellent interceptions in the shooting circle and substitute Christina Bickerstaff converted at the crucial times when her team worked the ball up the court. The final score was a win for Banbridge Academy 10-9.

Tasja Sneddon (Captain), Lexie Kerr (Vice Captain), Tara Kennedy, Christina Bickerstaff, Grace Mussan, Zara Nicholl, Emma Newell, Ruby Johnstone, Gracie Johnstone

Last but not least, the Junior B team took on Down High school.  After the 1^st quarter the Academy girls knew they had to dig deep as Down had secured a 4-0 lead.  In the second half player of the match, Cliohna McGrath, made great work finding space and feeding the ball into the shooting circle.  Going into the last quarter it was 6-6, and coach Mrs Beggs brought Caitlin McErlean into the shooting circle and with the excellent defence of Ella Bell and Ruby Archer, the team worked together to take the win 9-7.

Abigail Walker (Captain), Charlotte Hampton (Vice Captain), Ellie Walker, Rebecca Matthews, Abigail McConville, Mya Jess, Caitlin McErlean, Izzie Taylor, Ella Bell, Ruby Archer, Cliohna McGrath

The opposition for the Senior Bs Semi-final has not yet been decided and the Junior A and B teams will face each other in the Semi-final and will be played by the end of February.

Well Done to all the girls and good luck in the next rounds.