Hockey Season 2005 - 06
Club Report
The hockey season of 2005-2006 has been one of much success, with most, if not all teams, improving their game, skills and teamwork. Girls’ hockey has undoubtedly changed, not only as a sport but how it is run within school. The standard of the game has reached new levels all round the country and also within Ballyclare High School. The training offered to the girls is nothing short of the best, with new skills and tactics being taught and, for this, the girls are fortunate. The way in which hockey is run within school is now much more like a hockey club, including the teams from year 8 right up to year 14. We would often meet to discuss pressing issues such as fund raising and tours etc. We have a family atmosphere, with each team supporting the other and socialising together as a club. So it is not all about playing.
We took part in the Children in Need campaign, raising £1100 for the charity and the same amount for our club. We collected sponsorship from friends and family to take part in a fancy dress hockey dribble. This provided comedy for all who came out to watch and support, especially Mrs McCullough in her banana suit.
We are fortunate enough to get the opportunities to go away, although it is noted by the girls that tours include a lot of responsibility for those in charge. However, the 1 st X1 had their pre-season training in Christ’s Hospital School in London. They boarded in the school and played the local teams. This was a great opportunity and kick-started their hockey season. They are very fortunate to be able to look forward to the forthcoming tour to Madrid and the World Cup Hockey Finals.
A big part of hockey is the teamwork and what better way to encourage this than to get together and have fun. The hockey club organised a night out to Dundonald Ice Bowl in December. We split into teams and battled it out on the bowling lanes, after which we had dinner. This opportunity was taken to present prizes (ranging from sweets to ipods) to the winners of the fancy dress dribble and those who raised the most money.
We concluded our hockey season with the first hockey club dinner in the Ballyclare Golf Club. We got together one last time to present the medals and cups of the season’s achievements. This is the first year we have done it this way and it proved to be a success.
We all look forward to the future of hockey and next year’s season. Thank you to all those who support us in school and at home for we really appreciate being given all these opportunities.
Paula Browne Yr13 (Club Captain)
1 st XI
The season started early for us, with a training weekend to Christ’s Hospital in England. We played their 1 st XI team, as well as the City of London Freeman’s School, who were English Cup semi-finalists last year. We won both matches in what can only be described as ‘full-on’ warm weather training. The idea of the trip was to start our season well and to begin thinking about the Schools’ Cup.
The Schools’ Cup started very early this year, our first round being against Dalriada on 12 th November. It was an exciting match as it went to extra time and we won 2-1. Next in the Cup, we played Coleraine High in extremely cold and snowy conditions. With debate as to whether or not the match should continue, we kept going and won by two goals in extra time.
After all the excitement, we had our Christmas break with ‘Stars in their Eyes’, hosted by the 1 st XI hockey team, proving to be a fun event.
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We returned after a deserved break and were told Portadown were the team we would meet in the third round. It was an excellent game, as we went two goals ahead by half time, mounting the pressure on our opposition. Portadown came back to score one goal, but we were too strong and won the match. As if the competition couldn’t get any tougher, Omagh Academy was our quarter-final opposition. They were the current Cup holders and were definitely the favourites to win the match. Despite encouraging supporters and hard work from the girls, Omagh proved to be the stronger and more experienced team, winning 4-1. Omagh went on to play Armagh in the final, with Armagh winning. This gave us hope and encouragement for the coming year as we had drawn 2-2 with Armagh already this year.
This year, we also played in the South Antrim Schools’ League, which includes all the local schools. We won our section, beating B.R.A., Larne, Belfast High, Antrim and drawing with Carrick.
It has been a pleasing season from this team and we have bright and high hopes for the coming season. With the team practically remaining the same and with the help of our coaches, Dr Rainey and Mrs McCullough, we feel we have potential to do even better next season. Altogether we scored 44 goals this year.
Players worthy of mention include Rebecca Smith, who gained Ulster U18 and Ireland representative honours. Linzi Pollock, Rachel Aiken and Sharon Graham made the U18 B squad, with Linzi having Irish trials. Amy McConnell and Sharon Graham made the area board and went on to win the competition.
The whole squad worked very hard throughout the season and it paid off. The player of the year presented by the McConnell Family was awarded to Rebecca Smith.
Lyn Brown Yr 13 (Capt.)
2 nd XI
Considering the many changes in the 2 nd XI from the previous season, this year’s 2 nd XI developed well as a squad. This was aided by new members to the team, including Sarah Lynas, Lyn Taylor, Hollie Steele-Nicolson and Lucy Simpson. These players supported the team and never lacked dedication or enthusiasm for the game. Unfortunately, due to an injury sustained in an additional sport, Lucy Simpson was unable to partake in further matches. Aside from this, the 2 nd XI experienced numerous victories.
The team participated in the McDowell Cup and this looked promising for the majority of these Cup matches. We enjoyed a victory against Ballyclare Secondary where, in the last minute, Centre Link, Sarah Davidson, managed to secure a goal. Another one of our McDowell achievements was against Dalriada, with an impressive outcome of 2-1. We went on to draw 1-1 with Ballymena Academy , although unfortunately, we scored a goal for them in the last three minutes. Despite our triumphs in the Cup playoffs, we did not advance to the latter stages and this was due to goal difference between these teams. If we had held out against Ballymena, we would have gone through.
A similar outcome was experienced throughout the South Antrim League matches. The 2 nd XI was victorious against Carrick Grammar and Belfast High but drew with Antrim Grammar and lost to B.R.A. which blew our chances of winning the League. Despite these setbacks, the 2 nd XI did not let this interfere with team spirits.
The player that I felt progressed throughout the season was Lynsey McAllister, who contributed significantly to the 2 nd XI and was awarded Player of the Season. As conclusion to the season, thanks to Mrs McCullough and Dr Rainey for all their hard work.
Emma Bothwell Yr 14 (Capt.)
2B XI
This season has been a difficult one for the 2Bs. We played some variable matches, starting off with a few wins, then a few loses. As the season progressed, we came up against some tough opposition, for example, Ballymena Academy, Methody and Sullivan Upper. However, later in the season we got even with Ballymena Academy, beating them in another match.
During the season, we were entered into a league against a number of schools. We started remarkably well, winning against B.R.A. and drawing against Carrick Grammar in the first few matches and therefore, at one point, we were top of the league. However, as the season progressed, we played some tough teams, such as Antrim Grammar and soon lost our top spot. Although in the end we did not win, we were pleased to have been top for a while and played well as a team throughout the majority of the league.
Our team had a tough season but we stuck together throughout it. We also had dedicated players, with our backs working hard to defend as best they could and our forwards striving every week to get goals into the back of that net. Jayne Cluff was awarded ‘Player of the Year’, although everyone worked hard and became closer and stronger, developing close friendships within the team. We were up against some tough teams and faced several defeats but, no matter what, we all stayed loyal and were committed players to the school hockey club.
Claire Stirling 12B (Capt.)
3 rd XI
This season proved very successful for the 3 rd XI, with only two losses throughout. This was a dramatic change from last season, as we only managed one win in the league. The team really pulled together and challenged older, more experienced teams and came out on top.
A few famous victories were 4-0 against Antrim Grammar, 4-0 against B.R.A. and 5-0 against Strathearn. The success of the season was mainly due to the team work and determination of all involved. Our goalkeeper, Helen McKinstry made some great saves and has kept many clean sheets. She was aided by a solid back line consisting of Laura Jamison, Hannah Coleman, Caroline McGookin and Hannah McCalmont. They stood strong throughout the season and not much got past them.
Sarah Lynn, Clare Holmes and Jade O’Neill in midfield worked tirelessly throughout the season, providing the forwards, Amy Blair, Rebekah Mills and Hannah Hamil, with great passes to allow them shots on target. They scored some great goals and helped the team secure the points. Our top goal scorer, Rebekah Mills, hit the backboard eight times throughout the season. Our ‘super sub’, Lauren Bowen, helped us out many times this season playing a range of positions from sweeper to centre forward.
The season ended on a high with the 3 rd XI receiving the ‘Most Improved Hockey Team’ at the school’s Honours Assembly. This reflected what the team has achieved this year. The 3 rd XI hockey team would like to thank Miss Johnston for all her support and coaching which has helped bring about this change in results. Our ‘Player of the Year’ was sponsored by McNinch and Son Solicitors and was won by Sarah Lynn.
Team: Helen McKinstry, Laura Jamison, Hannah Coleman, Hannah McCalmont, Caroline McGookin, Clare Holmes (captain), Jade O’Neill, Sarah Lynn, Hannah Hamill, Amy Blair, Rebekah Mills and Lauren Bowen
Clare Holmes 11B (Capt.)
4 th XI
This season the 4 th XI had quite a good year, only losing two matches and winning or drawing the others. As the season progressed, the team got stronger and more confident with their stick work and this enabled us to play more skilfully and keep the ball at the attacking end.
Throughout the season, the defence worked especially hard to keep clearing the ball out of the circle. Vicky Johnston constantly played to the best of her ability and never let the ball near the goals. The whole team improved tremendously and the forwards always worked hard on passing the ball until it reached the circle where many goals were knocked in by Danielle McMahon.
I think it is safe to say that although we have not been successful in all our matches, the 4 th XI have had a fun year and each player has remained dedicated and determined throughout the season. Our top goal scorer was Danielle McMahon who played brilliantly throughout the season and had many fantastic runs down the left hand side, often resulting in goals. Danielle McMahon won our ‘Player of the Year’ award which was presented by the Bamboo Restaurant and we would like to thank them for their support.
Overall the 4 th XI has had a promising and fun season and I am confident that this will continue next year.
Claire Hunter 11B (Capt.)
U14A XI
The U14A had a very successful season, with many wins and, over time, playing better as a team. We won eight matches, drew five and lost three. Our skills improved and we became more confident as the season progressed, particularly after our encounter with Lurgan.
Lisa Armour was only chosen at the start of the season to be the goalkeeper on the team and performed exceptionally well in every match. Carly Dawson, Lauren McGrath, Jennifer McBrien, Hannah Todd and Lauren Mawhinney were chosen for the regional development squad. Lauren Mawhinney and Lauren McGrath were also chosen for the North Eastern Board team.
The best match we had was against Lurgan College in the Junior Schools’ Cup. Everyone played well and the first match at home was drawn after extra time. Unfortunately, we lost the replay match 1-0 when, in the last five minutes of the game, they scored a goal from a penalty corner. The team was proud to have drawn against one of the top teams in Ulster and Lurgan went on to win the final 3-0.
We started to find a lot more strength towards the end of the season. This year we also played in the new South Antrim Schools’ League in which we did very well.
I really enjoyed being captain of this team. Everyone got on well together and I was really pleased to see everyone improve. The ‘Player of the Year’, sponsored by the Mawhinney Family, was deservedly won by Lauren Mawhinney.
Jennifer McBrien 10B (Capt.)
U14B XI
This year, our team played extremely well and developed many new skills. The team worked hard on fitness and skills and are much better hockey players than they were at the start of the year. We worked with a large squad throughout the year and players rotated each week.
Megan Lamont and Brooke Cully were our ‘Players of the Year’, with the trophy presented by Lismenary Motors. Both Megan and Brooke played well in every match and were great members of the team.
The U14Bs won six matches this year, drew four and lost only two. These results are thanks to the whole team as they worked really hard to give us such a successful season.
I have really enjoyed being captain of the team and want to say a big thanks to all the girls and well done!
Jodie Robinson 10E (Capt.)
U13A XI
What a season for Ballyclare High’s under 13A hockey team who managed to go all year without defeat in sixteen fixtures, and in many cases destroy the opposition in the process. Some of our best results included a 6-0 win over Coleraine High, a 7-1 win over Regent House and a 7-0 win over Hunterhouse College .
Our mid field players, Jane Kennedy, Kathryn Lorimer and Penny Brown, skilfully played the ball through to create the opportunities for the front three, while Sarah Agnew and Joanna Mills drew the opposition out to the wings and passed to Vanessa Surgeoner in the centre to score. Vanessa is not just our top goal scorer but also the overall top scorer in the school this year and plays hockey like Wayne Rooney plays football. Give her the ball around the goal and it normally ends up in the back of the net!
Kerri Hill (capt.) held a strong centre back position and was ably helped in defence by Lydia Campbell, Jordan Jones and sweeper, Megan Thompson. The regular duo in goals of Hannah Woodside and Melissa Mitchell, managed to keep a clean sheet for most of the matches.
Special thanks to the B team throughout the season, who kindly allowed players such as Rachel Campbell, Amy Mullan and Clare McBrien to regularly step up and fill the gaps due to injury and other commitments.
Great coaching from Mrs Holmes and Miss Edgar resulted in the very successful year. The only defeat the U13A team had was to Ballyclare High’s U14A team who were held to a draw on two occasions before getting a win.
Overall, the U13A won its section of the South Antrim League and to round off the season, competed in the South Antrim Hockey Tournament in March, once again showing their formidable strength by winning the competition.
The ‘Players of the Year’ award, voted by the team, was given to Kerri Hill and Joanna Mills.
Squad: Hannah Woodside, Melissa Mitchell, Megan Thompson, Lydia Campbell, Kerri Hill (Capt.), Jordan Jones, Jane Kennedy, Kathryn Lorimer, Penny Brown, Sarah Agnew, Vanessa Surgeoner, Joanna Mills.
Kerri Hill 9L (Capt.)