Banbridge Academy vs Belfast High School

On Thursday the 12 January the U14 Banbridge Academy Girls’ Hockey team faced an aggressive opposition from Belfast High School in the QF of the Ulster Schools’ Junior Cup.  Play started evenly with both sides giving it their all.  Within the first 5 minutes Banbridge Academy snatched a penalty corner and, deciding to go simple, Alyssa Somerville struck the ball which flew straight through the keeper’s legs and opening the score at 1-0 to Banbridge.

With some great running up the pitch by Ruby Johnson and Sophie Tate and some nice ball transfer round the back, Ruby crossed the ball to Molly Tumilty who got a sneaky touch on the ball adding to the score – 2-0.

The girls, although tired by half time, continued to fight getting many shots on target and making it difficult for the Belfast High keeper and defence.  10 minutes into the second half they won another penalty corner and, trying out their new short corner variation, the ball was passed to Nancy McCusker who struck it past the keeper into the bottom left corner of the net – 3-0.

In the last 10 minutes of the second half, Belfast High put up a good fight making the Academy girls work hard and despite Belfast High breaking through on a number of occasions, the defence and

Goalkeeper Ellie Walker managed to secure the break-through and clear the ball up the pitch.  The girls were delighted when the whistle blew for full time and with a 3-0 scoreline and had booked their place in the semi-finals.

The opposition for the Semi Final is the winner of Killacomaine JHS vs Belfast Royal Academy and will be played towards the end of February.

Team:

Sophie Tate (Captain)

Charlotte Betts

Katie Leslie

Casey Cousins

Alyssa Somerville

Kizzy Gley

Ruby Johnson

Katie Maginnis

Ellie Walker (GK)

Molly Tumilty

Ciara Aiken

Charlotte Best

Nancy McCusker

Ella Marshall

Hannah Carswell

Tara Kennedy