By Sarah Russell and Orla Thompson.  Banbridge Academy’s girls’ hockey team set off on tour to Glasgow on Saturday 24th October, to take part in The Topflight National Schools tournament, held at Glasgow Green Hockey Centre. Two years previously, Banbridge took part in the same tournament in Belgium, coming an impressive 3rd place overall. This year’s tournament proved yet again to be another success, as we competed against 15 other teams from across the UK. The girls started well with a 3-1 over Kelso, with Banbridge continuously putting Kelso’s defence under pressure. Minutes into the game a penalty corner was awarded to Banbridge with Orla Thompson deflecting in a shot from the edge of the circle, to give Banbridge an early lead. Shortly after, Banbridge received another corner, with Orla Thompson scoring again from a rebound off the keeper. With Banbridge beginning to feel comfortable with a 2-0 lead, Kelso took the opportunity to try and even the score by putting Banbridge under pressure, scoring, bringing it to 2-1. Banbridge’s defence soon picked up the pace again with sweeper Charley Brush cutting the oppositions attacking play short, sending the ball up the pitch. To secure the win Katie McKee made a great pass to Sarah Russell who was in the circle to score the 3rd goal.

The next match was against Ipswich, with another comfortable win of 3-0. Katie McKee made excellent runs down the left line, scoring two unstoppable reverse goals. Sophie Mount showed great individual skills by beating the keeper and scoring the third and final goal of the match. The final match of the day proved to be tough, as the team was feeling slightly tired, yet still determined. With Kings Hospital’s defence continuously under pressure from Lauren McGaw making numerous threatening runs down the right hand side, we were unlucky to not score. Banbridge’s midfielders and defence still had to work hard with Gina Woods tirelessly blocking attacking play coming down the centre. An excellent save from Rebekah Hillis from a flick encouraged the girls to keep up their efforts. The match ended with a 0-0 score, but Banbridge coming top of the group, progressing to the quarter finals of the cup on the second day of matches. The girls knew that the next day wouldn’t be any easier, and despite having aching muscles, the girls soldiered into their second day of matches. The quarter final was against Salerno, and unfortunately in the first half Banbridge let their guard down and allowed Salerno to score three goals as they passed around Banbridge’s defence and slipped it into the corner of the net, just beyond Alice Winson’s reach. In the second half, the girls were fired up and determined to amend their mistakes. The entire team stepped up their performance, and an excellent cross from Katie McKee allowed Sarah Russell to make the deflection at the back post, scoring the first goal for Banbridge. A few moments later Banbridge were awarded a penalty corner, and a straight strike from Sarah Russell narrowed the margin to just one goal. The clock was ticking and any attacks made by Salerno were quickly shut down by the defence. Ellen Reid slotted a pass to Katie in the midfield, who ran up the pitch, effortlessly beating numerous defenders and finally smashing the ball into the net from the top of the circle. The whistle then blew for full time with a miraculous comeback from Banbridge to leave the scoreline as 3-3. Penalty run-ins would decide the winner, and with Katie McKee, Orla Thompson, Emma Gregson and Sarah Russell all scoring and Alice Winson making incredible saves, Banbridge progressed through to the semi-final.

Glasgow High School proved tough competition, with their open set play testing Banbridge’s defence, however the girls’ managed to cut their play short through strong block tackles. Emma Gregson made threatening runs through the middle of the pitch, and the team was rewarded with a penalty corner. A save from a straight strike provided Katie McKee with an opportunity for a rebound, and she effortlessly slotted the ball in the corner by a reverse strike. Not long after, Glasgow High School were awarded their own penalty corner. A well worked set piece allowed them to even the score. Both sides fought hard with attacking play, but with just minutes left in the game, Lauren McGaw won Banbridge another corner. An organised set play allowed Charley to slap the ball into the back of the net, securing Banbridge’s place in the final. Rainey Endowed were the opposition for the final match of the day. Team passing soon saw Rainey in the Banbridge circle, and despite excellent defending from the girls, Rainey scored a reverse strike. Banbridge responded to this and with play between Lauren McGaw and Orla Thompson, the girls were unlucky to get a touch from a cross. Another well worked attack from Rainey resulted in yet another reverse strike goal. The girls were determined to make their comeback just as they had done earlier in the day. A goal by Sarah Russell in a penalty corner put Banbridge back in the game, but despite the girls’ best efforts, the match ended with the scoreline of 2-1. Although they didn’t win, Banbridge were still pleased to come 2nd out of the 16 teams in the competition. The girls would like to extend their thanks to their coach Neil Madely, to Sheree Totton and Mrs Camblin for organising such a successful and enjoyable trip, and to Mr McLoughlin for his ongoing support.