Ballyclare High 1st X1 created history for the school by reaching the final of the Belfast Telegraph Ulster Schools’ Cup for the very first time. Unfortunately a closely contested final against favourites Royal School Armagh at Edenvilla, Portadown ended in a 0-1 defeat for the Ballyclare girls, but all involved with the team as players, coaches and supporters can be proud of their efforts this season.

Armagh’s victory earned them their third Ulster Schools’ Cup in the last four years and they went on to enhance their reputation by winning the All Ireland Schools’ Kate Russell Cup. In the Ulster final Ballyclare belied their status as underdogs, demonstrating as much attacking prowess as their opponents. In fact, overall Ballyclare had six penalty corners against seven for Armagh.

The final was played in good conditions in front of a predictably large crowd of enthusiastic supporters from both schools who added atmosphere to this special occasion for all the players. The opening quarter saw Ballyclare seize the initiative, instigating most of the significant attacking moves often prompted by superb runs down the left side from team captain Sharon Graham.

Linzi Pollock broke into the circle and won the first short corner after only seven minutes, from which she had a strong shot well saved by the Armagh goalkeeper.

The Ballyclare side was certainly not overawed by the occasion and continued to play some very good hockey. However, senior international player Amy Stewart began to exert more influence for the Armagh side which was gradually beginning to establish itself in the game after withstanding Ballyclare’s impressively strong start.

The holders now began to force the pace and were awarded a penalty corner. Despite a good save by Rachel Aiken, Stewart followed up to net the rebound. Despite several further strong runs by Sharon Graham for Ballyclare, it was still 0-1 at half time.

Armagh upped the pace in the third quarter with a series of strong runs from Amy Stewart. After one of these she broke into the Ballyclare circle and hit a powerful shot narrowly wide. Armagh continued to apply pressure looking for a potentially decisive second goal. However, good defending by Jayne Gault and Lyn Brown prevented the Armagh forwards from doing any real damage.

Having weathered the storm, Ballyclare now applied sustained pressure and dominated the last quarter with Sharon Graham always trying to create openings - she seemed to be the outstanding player on the pitch. Ballyclare continued to create potential opportunities to score an equaliser but to the frustration of players, coaches and supporters alike the goal simply would not come. Linzi Pollock twice had shots go just wide while both Amy McConnell and Lauren Mawhinney were unlucky not to hit the target.

Afterwards a disappointed coach Dr Rainey commented that the team had played really well and that they had learnt a lot and commended all the players for their gracious attitude in defeat - she complimented team captain Sharon Graham who spoke really well after the game for her team and her school. The disappointed squad returned to school where the Headmaster, Mr Knox, had organised a reception for the team, along with parents and school governors, to recognise the players’ achievements this season.

One of the major factors behind Ballyclare’s progress in this cup campaign was the collective contribution of all the players rather than undue reliance on any individuals. Goalkeeper Rachel Aiken may not have been busy in the first two rounds but she played a crucial role in the quarter final success, making a number of impressive saves throughout the course of the game, and she played a prominent role in both the semi final and final.

Lynsey McAllister performed consistently well and defended soundly, while Louise Bell not only provided defensive security but offered another dimension with her occasional forays into attack.

Jayne Gault, another player who enjoyed an influential game against Banbridge in the quarter final, was a key figure at the heart of the Ballyclare defence. And Suzie Weir confirmed her reputation as a strong tackling player upon whom Ballyclare could rely to break up the opposition’s attacking momentum, and to distribute the ball effectively to launch attacks.

One of the strengths of the Ballyclare side was the creative combination between Lyn Brown and Ulster Under 18 representatives Linzi Pollock and Sharon Graham in midfield. Lyn worked tirelessly during the quarter final to subdue a talented Banbridge midfield, and created the winning goal in that game with a quickly taken free hit.

Linzi is a talented player who posed a constant threat to opposing defences, and proved also to be a potential match winner from penalty corners. She scored a vital goal in the semi final win over Ballymena Academy. Team captain Sharon Graham has led by example this season. Her goal against Friends was perhaps the individual highlight of the cup run, and her combination of industry and skill on the left hand side was an important asset to the Ballyclare team. She was acknowledged by most observers to be one of Ballyclare’s most effective players in the final and was rightly awarded the Player of the Year trophy at the annual hockey awards dinner. .

The third Ulster Under 18 representative Rebecca Smith was another influential player whose ability to torment defences served Ballyclare well this season. Her immaculately timed pass created the opening goal for Lauren Mawhinney in the quarter final, and she scored a crucial goal in the semi final. Her close control and skilful running always proved a threat to even the best organised defences.

Carolynne Dougan also served Ballyclare well this season, a strong running forward player who is more than capable of contributing the occasional goal. And Amy McConnell, who scored a hat trick in the first round and the winner in the quarter final, was a tireless worker in attack, harrying defenders at every opportunity and was a clinical finisher when a goal scoring chance arose, adding to her impressive tally with another goal in the semi final.

Lauren Mawhinney, the newest acquisition to the squad this season and an Ulster Under 16 representative, was particularly impressive in the quarter final, adding variety to Ballyclare’s attack and contributing a crucial goal.

Club captain Paula Browne also played a role in defence where she could be relied upon to mark tightly and to tackle strongly, while the other squad members Lynn Taylor, Holly Steele-Nicholson, Kim Montgomery and Sarah Whincup played their part, most notably when Sarah scored her two goals against Enniskillen.

The team’s performances in the last three seasons, culminating in their appearance in this season’s Ulster Schools’ Cup final for the first time in the school’s history, testify to the development of school hockey in Ballyclare High School under the expert guidance of Mrs McCullough and Dr Rainey and have raised the profile of hockey at BHS within school, within the local community, within the Ulster hockey fraternity and even more widely thanks to the high profile coverage of the showpiece final in the local media.

The vast majority of this group of players will not return to school next year. The process of renewing the squad will be a challenge for the coaching staff and those players who do return, while all involved this season will take with them the memories of an extraordinary year, of challenges overcome and experiences shared which will endure long after the disappointment of final defeat has eased.

1 st X1 Squad: Rachel Aiken, Jayne Gault, Louise Bell, Suzie Weir, Lynsey McAllister, Paula Browne, Lyn Brown, Linzi Pollock, Sharon Graham (captain), Amy McConnell, Rebecca Smith, Carolynne Dougan, Lauren Mawhinney, Sarah Whincup, Lynn Taylor, Holly Steele-Nicholson, Kim Montgomery.