The 1st XI Girls played Dalriada to start their 2016 challenge in the Belfast Telegraph Schools Cup competition, beating them 6-0 .  The second round was played on Wednesday 24 th November at Kilkeel. The match started promptly with the Banbridge girls struggling to come to terms with the pitch and away conditions. But they soon settled in and encamped in the Kilkeel circle to bombard the keeper. Unfortunately after two corners they were unable to put the ball in the net. This really determined the whole game. The Kilkeel keeper played valiantly and saved numerous corner shots and strikes. Just before half time, Orla Thompson and Lauren McGaw between them scrambled the ball successfully into the net to make the score 1-0. At once the attacking strategy was reorganised and soon more goals arrived. Banbridge’s final score was 4-0. The Banbridge girls were delighted at their success and are continuing to train with determination preparing for their next challenge v Wallace High School which will take place within the next few weeks.

UNDER 16/15 Girls Gibson Cup

The UNDER 16/15 Girls have completed their three matches in the first round challenge of the Gibson Cup. Their first match v Armagh Royal resulted in a 3-0 win for the girls who are gaining in strength and confidence. The second match v Wallace High was disappointing as the play was focused in the Wallace circle but they could not get that all-important goal. Wallace had two or three attacking sts in the first half which showed the strength of the Banbridge defence. However the second half stil proved too much for the BanBridge attack who struggled to carry and distribute with play constantly broken down by Wallace. In the last few seconds a foray in the Banbridge defence resulted in a corner for Wallace. Confusion occurred when the Wallace umpire requested that Holly Hannah leave the pitch after injury. Disorganised, the defense allowed a goal past just as the final whistle ensued, Wallace winning 1-0. Holly thankfully has now fully recovered and was able to play very well in the final match v Portadown college on Tuesday 24th November. This match showed the Banbridge girls’ determination to finish these pre-challenge Cup rounds in style. They played from the onset with 100% effort and were awarded with two goals before half time. This they consolidated with excellent play from all team members and went in to put another four past the stricken Portadown keeper who could find no answer to the onslaught of attack. The final score was an amazing 6-0 against a strong Portadown side. The delighted Captain Hanna Jordan, awaits news from Ulster Hockey of details from this challenge round. Fingers crossed with two wins out of three matches  the UNDER 16/15 Girls should qualify  to compete in the knock out Rounds of the Gibson Cup.