Ballyclare High School v Omagh Academy

Wednesday 8 February at Valley Leisure Centre

Ballyclare High’s challenge for the Ulster Schools’ Cup ended abruptly with a 1-4 quarter final defeat against current holders Omagh Academy .

Ballyclare needed to make another of the quick starts that have characterised their excellent performances in the cup this year. Unfortunately, however, they conceded a goal after three minutes when an Omagh player found an alarming amount of space in the Ballyclare circle.

The visitors continued their strong start to the match finding space and attacking purposefully with accurate passing. Denied possession, and denied the opportunity to establish an early attacking platform, Ballyclare had to battle hard just to get established in the match. After thirteen minutes Rebecca Smith earned the first penalty corner for the home side and Linzi Pollock forced the Omagh goalkeeper to make a good save.

As Omagh continued to press forward Rachel Aiken made one of numerous excellent saves, but the visitors did manage to score their second goal from a penalty corner after nineteen minutes. To the credit of all the players Ballyclare responded well and enjoyed their best period of the match with Rebecca Smith prominent in most of the best attacks.

Linzi Pollock had another penalty corner shot saved but then Ballyclare reduced the deficit when Amy McConnell scored yet another cup goal, ironically from one of the home side’s least polished penalty corner routines. The first half finished with Omagh on the attack, Rachel Aiken making yet another impressive stop.

At the start of the second period Ballyclare again struggled to retain possession and, as the half progressed, they continued to find it difficult to contain the fast, accurate passing and fluid movement of many of the Omagh attacks. Rachel Aiken continued to distinguish herself with some great saves, but eventually Omagh extended their lead with only eight minutes remaining.

Team captain Lyn Brown continued to urge her team forward but another penalty corner saw Omagh score their fourth goal. The match finished with Ballyclare on the attack, Rebecca Smith deserving more for a dazzling piece of individual play only just denied by the Omagh goalkeeper.

This year’s cup run may have ended in disappointment for Ballyclare, but the girls can be proud of their three excellent away wins over Dalriada, Coleraine High and Portadown College in the earlier rounds. They have again raised the profile of hockey within school and have confirmed the sport’s ongoing development.

The large crowd attending the contest included many of the players currently enjoying success in the school’s junior teams and who, in a few years, will hopefully have the opportunity to represent the school at first team level. In the more immediate future, equally committed and encouraged by some outstanding wins this season, the vast majority of this squad will return next year for another Schools’ Cup challenge.

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