Wallace High School  1 – 4  Banbridge Academy

Banbridge Academy’s Boys’ Hockey 2^nd XI retained the Prior Shield by defeating Lisburn’s Wallace High School 2^nd XI 4 goals to 1 last Wednesday afternoon at Havelock Park.  Mark Miskelly’s troops have been in top form this season going undefeated so far.  Nevertheless, there were many nerves before hit-off as the squad was decimated – captain Daniel McHugh injured his hamstring in training last week, defender Caleb Briggs broke a finger, Max Nicholson and Jake Rainer were promoted to the 1^st XI and on the morning of the final regular goalkeeper James McCoy withdrew due to illness.  Connor Part stepped in to keep goal, with Daniel Reid and Sam Bingham added to the squad.

The Academy side, lining out in their new Leber Medical sponsored playing kit, started the game well with some slick passing but a defensive slip saw a penalty corner awarded to Wallace. The Lisburn side scored from a switched set-piece to give them the lead at quarter time. However, minutes into the second period Thomas Cunningham burst into the opposition circle and his slash shot was deflected home by Simon Ferris to pull the Academy level. Ollie Small then saw his back post position nearly pay dividend but the ball just trickled wide. Cunningham and Conor Doyle were now dominating the midfield and after they released Tom Hamilton, his cross flashed across the front of goal just out of the reach of Joshua Cash and Sam Bingham.

The second half saw the Academy boys on the front foot with only the odd counterattack for the impressive defensive duo of Joshua Moles and Lewis Cousins to easily sweep up. Alfie Norris added a further threat upfront after his introduction and his presence helped Bann win another penalty corner. Noah Lutton subsequently scored with an eloquent reverse stick shot to put the Academy ahead for the first time. Not to be outdone, Daniel Reid scored with an equally impressive reverse effort from open play to increase the lead and with minutes left on the clock, Adam Trimble’s delightful lay-off saw Ferris score his second and put the game to bed as the Academy supporters cheered on the quality of the play.

So for the second consecutive season, Cousins lifted the Prior Shield for the Academy along with the unfortunate McHugh. Mark Miskelly was thrilled with the effort and end-product from his forward line and he hopes this will be a springboard as the squad head into their Dowdall Cup campaign.

Squad: Connor Part, Lewis Cousins, Joshua Moles, Tom Hamilton, Noah Lutton, Adam Trimble, Mark Hanna, Thomas Cunningham, Conor Doyle, Simon Ferris, Joshua Cash, Ollie Small, Alfie Norris, Adam Ireland, Sam Bingham, Daniel Reid.