College retain their Ulster Senior Schools’ title

LURGAN College returned to their happy hunting ground of Lisnagarvey Hockey Club last Wednesday where they retained the Ulster Senior Schools Tournament title for a second consecutive year.

This tournament kicks off the first eleven season with 26 of the top hockey schools in Ulster competing.

Following group matches across the Province last weekend, winners from each group were drawn into group semi finals. Omagh Academy and Ballymena Academy were opponents for Lurgan College in their semi finals.

In their opening game Lurgan College defeated Omagh 1-0 (Ellen Mullen) and followed that up with a 2-0 win over Ballymena Academy (Chloe McCann 2).

This meant they proceeded to the final where they faced RSA who had been winners over Rainey and Glenlola.

Lurgan College converted early on to beat RSA 1-0 in an exciting game with Serena Barr scoring from a penalty corner rebound.

The trophy, which was won last year now returns to the College for another season. A promising start for a young team.

Lurgan College hosted The Royal School Dungannon on Saturday and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at both first and second eleven level.

For the firsts Hannah Grieve scored two goals in the first half with Chloe McCann adding a third in the second half.

Aimee Williamson was on target in the opening few minutes for the seconds with Julie Morrow and Samantha Bann converting two more to leave the score 3-0 at the final whistle.

Naomi Costley has been selected to the Ulster Under 16 Hockey squad who will compete at this year’s Interprovincial championships.

Naomi is a very exciting goalkeeping talent and will be influential on the squad as Ulster bid to win the Interpros once again.

This year the championships are to be held in Ulster over the weekend of October 22-23.