1st XI Girls' - Schools’ Cup Hockey Quarter Final

Ballyclare High v Banbridge Academy

Final Score - Ballyclare High School 2 - Banbridge Academy 1

Ballyclare High reached the semi final of the Ulster Schools’ Cup after a 2-1 home win over Banbridge Academy.

A large, expectant crowd turned out to support the Ballyclare girls in their bid to reach the last four of this prestigious competition, and was rewarded by a patient and determined performance from the home side which thoroughly deserved the win.

Both teams started tentatively and the first opportunity came from a Banbridge mistake. Rebecca Smith intercepted a weak clearance and found Amy McConnell whose shot was well saved by the visiting goalkeeper.

As Banbridge became more purposeful in attack, Suzie Weir made several important tackles. However, a poor clearance resulted in the visitors’ first penalty corner from which Rachel Aiken made an impressive save. After ten minutes Jayne Gault made a vital tackle to deny another threatening move from Banbridge, who were enjoying some good possession at this stage of the game.

Although Ballyclare defended well, the home supporters were increasingly concerned about the number of poorly struck clearances, which gifted Banbridge an opportunity to resume their attacks.

After fourteen minutes Suzie Weir released Rebecca Smith whose strong run earned Ballyclare their first penalty corner. Then Sharon Graham and Linzi Pollock combined to win a second penalty corner which was poorly executed.

Banbridge continued to play fluently in midfield and always looked threatening in attack. In the previous two rounds of the cup Ballyclare goalkeeper Rachel Aiken was rarely called into action, but she was frequently required to make crucial saves in this game. After 20 minutes another weak clearance resulted in a Banbridge penalty corner from which Rachel made two saves in quick succession.

However, Ballyclare took the lead a minute later after Rebecca Smith intercepted a misdirected pass. With exquisite timing she drew the last defender and released a perfectly weighted pass, allowing Lauren Mawhinney to show great composure as she placed the ball accurately past the advancing Banbridge goalkeeper.

To their credit Banbridge responded positively to this setback and immediately enjoyed another period of sustained pressure, again initiated by a poor Ballyclare clearance. Sharon Graham blocked a shot from the first of four Banbridge penalty corners in quick succession, Rachel Aiken made a fine save from the third, but inevitably from the fourth Banbridge scored their equalising goal with only two minutes remaining until half time.

Perhaps the break came at a good time for Ballyclare and the influence of the coaching staff was immediately apparent at the start of the second half as Ballyclare attacked with greater purpose and conviction. Linzi Pollock created an opportunity for Lyn Brown whose shot was well cleared, and then an excellent reverse stick shot from Rebecca Smith forced a fine save from the visiting goalkeeper.

Linzi Pollock was denied an opportunity by a surprising intervention from the umpire, and then a pleasing combination between Sharon Graham and Amy McConnell led to Lyn Brown’s shot going narrowly wide.

Banbridge also continued to attack with purpose, but the whole Ballyclare team worked hard in defence, with Lynsey McAllister in particular making several well-timed challenges.

With only thirteen minutes remaining Ballyclare scored the decisive match-winning goal. Lauren Mawhinney, who had impressed the home supporters with her contribution throughout the game, earned a free hit. Lyn Brown reacted more quickly than the Banbridge defenders, and her crisply struck and accurate pass found Amy McConnell who swept a first time shot past the goalkeeper and into the net.

The Ballyclare fans were still acclaiming this goal as Banbridge rushed into attack, earning another sequence of four penalty corners, the last of which was only denied by another quality save from Rachel Aiken. Ballyclare regained the initiative and, with five minutes remaining, Linzi Pollock’s penalty corner shot flashed narrowly past the post.

Banbridge pressed forward in a last ditch attempt to earn a replay, but Jayne Gault made a good tackle to avert the danger. Ballyclare finished the tie on the front foot, Amy McConnell winning another penalty corner. Although Banbridge managed to clear the ball the final whistle sounded and the celebrations began immediately for the home side.

After the disappointment of quarterfinal defeats in each of the last two seasons, the Ballyclare players and coaches deserve great credit for their achievement on this occasion. They stayed with their game plan throughout the match despite a strong performance from their opponents and can now look forward to the exciting prospect of an Ulster Schools’ Cup semi final.

Ballyclare will be joined in the last four by Ballymena Academy and the winners of the ties between Dalriada and RS Armagh, and Coleraine High and Omagh Academy.

Ballyclare Squad: Rachel Aiken, Jayne Gault, Louise Bell, Lynsey McAllister, Suzie Weir, Lyn Brown, Linzi Pollock, Sharon Graham (captain), Carolynne Dougan, Rebecca Smith, Amy McConnell, Lauren Mawhinney, Paula Browne, Sarah Whincup, Kim Montgomery, Holly Steele-Nicholson, Lynn Taylor.

Report by our Roving Reporter

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