1st XI
We had a very successful season this year, winning 10 games, drawing 3 and losing only 2. At the recent honours’ assembly the 1st XI girls were delighted to receive the ‘Most Improved Team’ award.
This year we also reached the quarter-finals of the Schools’ Cup. In the first round of the Cup we beat Antrim Grammar an impressive 9-0 and closely followed this with a 2-1 victory over Methodist College in the next round. A few weeks later we played Victoria College, hoping to progress into the semi-finals. However, we came out with a 1-1 draw allowing us a replay. Unfortunately, we were defeated in a difficult and tight game at Jordanstown.
Throughout the year Lynsey Pollock was our top goal scorer, closely followed by Rebecca Smith. These two key players in our team were recently awarded with Irish trials when they were spotted at the interprovincials playing for Ulster U16. They will soon be informed as to whether they have progressed to the next level.
At the end of the year, we travelled south to the beautiful city of Cork for our hockey tour. We won both of our matches and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. It was a great way to finish off a fantastic hockey season.

Clare Dundee Yr14

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2nd XI

Our 2nd XI developed well this year and it was a productive season for us as the team enjoyed a majority of wins. However, the last match was disappointing as we were defeated. Unfortunately, neither did we advance far enough in the cup competition. This was not due to lack of effort but difficult opponents.
The beginning of the Cup looked successful as we beat Ballyclare Secondary 1st XI 2-1. However the next two matches were not victorious, although team spirits were high throughout the year, never letting our minor defeats get us down.
On our team this year we had two fourth year players, Amy McConnell and Suzanne Weir. They supported our team immensely and never lacked dedication or enthusiasm. Many goals were due to their eagerness to win. The top goal scorers for the season were Gillian Crowe (Captain) and Lauren Skillen. The defence was resilient and was held together well by Suzanne Weir. Amazing saves were made by Sharon Gaffney who we will unfortunately be losing next year. We will also be losing our captain Gillian Crowe who kept the team together well with her high spirits and her co-captainship with Emma Bothwell.
The player who I felt progressed the most throughout the season was Sarah Whincup whose confidence grew with every match.
I feel this has been a great year for this team as we had many successful matches and have grown closer as a squad. Hopefully members of the 2nd XI will go on to be just as successful on the 1st XI squad when next season begins.

Gillian Crowe Yr 14

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U15 XI
We started this season playing only a few matches on a Saturday morning. We played well at the start of the year winning the majority of the matches.
Towards the end of the season, we played our NEBSSA league matches. We played well against Belfast High but unfortunately lost to Monkstown. After losing that match we were determined to finish our season on a good note and that’s exactly what we did! We played Carrick College in the final match and, although we lost, it was probably the best match of the season.
Altogether it was a good season for our hockey team. We developed our skills and became a close team who worked well together. We’re already looking forward to next year’s season where we can be even better.

Claire Stirling 11B

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U14A XI
Our team had a fun and exciting year of hockey and we were brought together, not just as team mates, but as friends. We were entered into the U14 Junior Cup and, although it wasn’t our year for success, we all still enjoyed ourselves.
We put a lot of effort into our matches but unfortunately we found producing goals very difficult. However, as the season progressed and as we worked better as a team, the number of goals scored against us decreased. Our defence grew stronger and our forwards developed chances to take the ball into the circle and attempt shots on goal.
The team wishes to thank all the coaching staff for their efforts in teaching us new skills and tactics and in building our confidence. We all felt privileged to be representing our school and, although the year wasn’t the most successful in terms of match victories, it was a very enjoyable experience for everyone.

Jade McNeill 10L

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U14B XI
This year, the U14 B’s had a relatively successful season winning four matches, and only losing five. We’ve seen this year that you can play the best you’ve ever done and still not come out victorious. However, as long as try your hardest and have fun it doesn’t matter, and that is what our team has done.
All team members have constantly played to the best of their ability and have contributed enormously to each and every match. Defenders should be credited greatly for their efforts and determination, although it didn’t always keep the goals out. Our links and forwards have also shown talent and skill, though sadly sometimes lacked in the ability to score.
Among us, it has to be said, one of our top goal scorers was Claire Hunter and the two most improved players this season are considered to be Aurora Blair and Kirstie Oliver.

Grace Mairs 10B

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U13A XI
This season the U13A hockey team played very well winning most of their matches. As the season progressed, it was clear that the team improved throughout, with the links and forwards especially improving on their penalty corners and scoring tactics.
The top goal scorer this year was Hannah Todd and our goal keeper, usually Alison Boal, made lots of brilliant saves.
In the North Eastern Board tournament, we also did very well, winning three games, drawing one and losing one. These results placed us third overall.

Carly Dawson 9L

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U13B XI
We had a very good year playing hockey as we are still undefeated. The whole team has greatly improved and in all matches, players tried as hard as they could. Although all the team have done well, there would have to be one top goal score, Megan Lamont. She has played exceptionally well in every match and is enthusiastic about all of our games and practices.
Megan is an excellent forward but we also have some brilliant players in defence who showed strong character when under pressure. Alison Crothers did particularly well this season with her strong hit coming in very useful when we were in danger of losing control of the ball.
Two very good players have been named but there are others who work very well under pressure and always play as well as they can. These include our two goalkeepers, Jasmine Gillen and Amy Flanagan.
Overall, every match was played well and I think that we have all progressed well as a team and can work together successfully.

Jessica Gamble 9R

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U12 Hockey
This season the U12 hockey squads have been outstanding. Their commitment, determination and enthusiasm have been excellent. We could easily field four teams but had to settle for competition with three full sided terms.
All three terms, the U12 A, B and C, have been very successful, together only suffering two defeats.
The U12A have been successful, becoming North Eastern Board Champions and sharing the Lindsay Walker Cup. They have amassed over 30 goals and have only conceded two goals. This team have not been beaten this year.
The U12B and U12C have thoroughly enjoyed their matches and have shown good skills on the pitch. They have a good win ratio in terms of matches. However, they have had the majority of possession in their matches but could not put the ball into the net often enough.
Well done to all the girls who trained regularly during the week and on Saturday mornings.

AC

You can view the history of the early years of hockey in Ballyclare High School here