Belfast Telegraph Schools Cup

3^rd Round

Thursday 26^th Jan 2023

Its been a long time since Banbridge Academy Girls’ 1^st XI Hockey Team have been in competition mode as this round of the cup was delayed due the absence of mid fielder Abbi Harrison, who was away on international duty with the NI U19 Cricket World Cup.  Due to the delay both sides were delighted to get on to the pitch for what was going to be a tight battle.

Both teams started determined with end-to-end play. Captain Ruby Wilson lead her team well and was determined on the left side of the pitch while her Pippa Wilson was fast and strong in midfield and create attacking opportunities linking well with My Grey and the other forwards. However, the defence then quickly had to deal with Ballyclare forceful attacks but neither side came away with any goals in the 1^st quarter.  The 2^nd quarter started as the first had with both teams trying to make their mark on the game however tensions were starting to build, and each team needed to keep their discipline and focus as the play was so tight.  It wasn’t until the 3^rd quarter that the home side finally broke the deadlock with Mya Gray slotting the ball in at back post to put her team up 1 nil. This intensified the match with both sides’ discipline being tested with cards being shown.  The fourth quarter saw a lot of Ballyclare attack and the defence had to battle through short corners and other attacks on their circle. Ballyclare took off their goalkeeper to give them an overload in the outfield however the ball came to Pippa Wilson who once again showed her skill and pace to break with the ball and run past their last line of defence to slot the ball in the deserted, making sure that with only minutes on the clock the Banbridge girls were 2 nil up.  Despite Ballyclare’s determination time ran out and the final score was 2 nil and secured Banbridge Academy a place in the Quarter Final of the Schools cup were they face Friends School Lisburn in Tuesday 31^st January at 2.30pm at Havelock.  All support welcomed for what will be a great match of school girl Hockey.

Many thanks to all players and coaches, in particular Neil Madeley and also to the photos of Front Row Union.