Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey will look to retain their Ulster Schoolboys’ title when they take on Belfast’s RBAI in the McCullough Cup Final on Wednesday 8^th February at Havelock Park at 3pm.  With the final postponed before Christmas due to inclement weather, both schools will be eager to lay down a marker for the rest of the season as they go head-to-head for the third time this season. The Academy have been victorious in both those previous meetings, winning 4-0 and 4-2, but RBAI will be no pushovers as they go for their first McCullough success in over ten years.

Academy Head Coach Simon Jess has a full squad to choose from. Captain Matthew McKee, who is a regular in the Banbridge Hockey Club 1^st XI this season, will lead from midfield alongside one of the most threatened forward lines the school has ever produced; namely Ben Pollock, Adam McKee, James Evans and Josh Brownlee – all Ulster under-age stars. With Aaron Baxter and Tommy Dobson also making great contributions to club and interprovincial hockey this campaign, the Academy 1^st XI is strong in all departments and confident that they will overcome their Belfast opponents.

As a curtain raiser to the McCullough Cup Final, the Academy Boys’ 2^nd XI play in the Prior Shield Final.  As with their 1^st XI peers, the Academy are the current holders of this trophy and Mark Miskelly’s outfit will be determined to retain the title. Both of their possible opponents, Wallace High School or RBAI, have been defeated already this season but there will be no complacency as captain Daniel McHugh will demand his teammates be fully focused for this important decider.

A large local crowd of supporters is expected with pupils, parents and past pupils out in force to cheer on both teams as they look to lift the first domestic silverware of the school season.  The 2^nd XI start proceedings at Havelock Park at 12:30pm.