Leinster’s Wesley College have won the 2023 John Waring Cup at Lisnagarvey narrowly, narrowly edging past Cookstown High School at the top of the group.
The side finished on 13 points having won four of their five games, whilst also drawing against the runners-up.
The eventual champions started the day with two 1-0 victories over R.B.A.I and The High School Dublin as they became early front runners.
Cookstown responded by getting four points from their opening fixtures with a 0-0 draw against HS Dublin being followed by a resounding 3-0 victory over Ashton Comprehensive.
By this stage both teams were now clear challengers to lift the Waring Cup as they met in a decisive game in the competition. However, as the table suggested there was very little between them as neither could unlock their opposition defence and they finished level at 0-0.
The two Ulster sides squared off with Cookstown coming out on top in a 1-0 win, a result which put pressure on the Leinster side going into their final game. Needing a win to secure the cup, Wesley College beat Bandon Grammar School in a dominant 3-0 victory as they got over the line.
R.B.A.I were also representing Ulster Hockey in the tournament, ultimately finished fifth, but were only narrowly beaten by the top two, losing on both occasions 1-0 before picking up two draws from their other three fixtures.
In attendance at the competition were Hockey Ireland President John Dennis, Ulster Hockey President George Wilson and Chair of Ulster Schools Anne Rosa.
Meanwhile Brian Waring, son of John, was also present with the tournament being in memory of his late father.
Speaking during the trophy ceremony, Hockey Ireland President John Dennis said:
“I would like to thank Lisnagarvey Hockey Club for hosting today’s event which has seen some great hockey from some very good young sides.
I would also like to extend my thanks to Ulster Hockey for organising the competition and to a group of people who today would be impossible without, that is our umpires, thank you very much.”
Furthermore Wesley College Captain Jack Fulton spoke upon his side receiving the trophy.
“I would like to thank Lisnagarvey Hockey Club and Ulster Hockey for organising this tournament, it has been a very competitive day and a lot of fun.”
