Yesterday we saw the final of the McCullough Cup take place at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club. Banbridge Academy took on Wallace in a tightly contested game.
Wallace pushed hard from the whistle and caught Banbridge cold, Daniel McElhinney slotted a perfect drag flick for a 1-0 lead after only 3 minutes.
The Banbridge team pushed hard, pressurizing the Wallace defence, however, were unable to break the down. The first quarter ended 1-0 to Wallace.
Photo Credit: Bob Given @ Front Row Union
Similar to the first quarter, we didn’t have long to wait for more goalmouth action. Louis Rowe levelled the score after only two minutes with a close-range equalizer.
The first half ended 1-1, however possession was firmly in favour of Banbridge in the second quarter.
Throughout the third quarter Wallace built confidence and developed several opportunities for themselves. On a number of occasions, the Banbridge keeper was called into action and surviving a goal line clearance. Despite a number of chances for both sides, the third quarter ended 1-1.
The Banbridge squad must have received a riling call from their coaching team, as it wasn’t long before Cody Large found the goal in the 49th minute and only two minutes later Louis Rowe made it 3-1.
The game ended 3-1 and saw Banbridge lift the trophy for the first time since 2016. After his brace, Louis Rowe was awarded the ‘John Waring Man of the Match’ trophy. Louis said “We are delighted with the win and all the hard work we put in during the Covid hiatus has paid off. I am especially pleased for the younger players who wouldn’t have played in such a big occasion before but Wallace certainly made it hard for us.”
Ulster Hockey President – Rosie Rea
“I was delighted to see the large support for Banbridge Academy and Wallace High School at the McCullough Cup Final at Lisnagarvey yesterday. It was a great pleasure to greet Nigel McCullough and to meet members of the McCullough family at the match. The final was expertly run by the School`s Committee and the staff of Ulster Hockey. Thank you to Lisnagarvey for the facilities, the match officials and the umpires. Congratulations to winners Banbridge Academy and to runners up Wallace High School on a highly competitive match.”
It was great to see schools hockey back after such a long break and we are excited the see the rest of the schools competitions take place in the New Year.
Photo Credit: Bob Given @ Front Row Union
