UNDER 13’S – Bannister Bowl, Friday, 12.45pm: This squad have talent and depth beyond anything that has ever come before it at the Academy.
Under influential captain Johnny McKee the team has gone from strength to strength whilst remaining humble
and having a desire to improve game on game.
The cup has brought out the very best from all the players with character and discipline in abundance at their first round win away to a tricky Campbell side, winning 3-1.
The second round was to be a home tie against a very in form Sullivan Upper side. This was to be a jaw dropping exhibition of how to convert attack to goals, the Lurgan Road juniors going in to the break with a 6-0 half time lead to run away with it in an 8-0 lesson.
The quarter final against Kilkeel allowed pressure and possession to be worked upon in a one sided affair at 12-0 setting up for what many thought really should be the final - an away tie with friends school Lisburn.
The semi final showed all at Lisnagarvey that the future is secure in Banbridge with a 4-0 win that showed maturity well beyond their years in this focused and determined lot.
This sets up a great spectacle for what should be a keenly contested final against a Wallace side full of belief in their own ability.
UNDER 14’S - Ferris Cup, Thursday, 3pm: This squad of players have come along way this season under coach Simon Jess.
The team, captained by Matthew Warnock, have turned a corner in more ways than one. They have developed a fine set play routine with Neville and Woods pulling the strings.
Their no nonsense style hockey has meant they are difficult to read and an early win away to Regent House 8-0 has been their only straightforward encounter in the cup.
A battling and skilful display in the quarter final at home to the strength of RBAI meant a slender 2-1 win with some fantastic defending and good team play in front of goal to thank for their route to the semi final.
The semi was always going to be a nervy affair and it took until the fourth minute of extra time to eventually grab the winner against Campbell College’s most promising side.
The creator and finisher on this occasion was the very focused and energetic Luke Woods who shaped the game before eventually becoming the hero from top circle on the reverse.
They will face either Cookstown or Friends, both schools eager to get to a final. Both will be difficult to set up against but Jess will be in no mood to see off what will be another season of superb achievement by the under 14s.
UNDER 15’S – Richardson Cup v Sullivan Upper, Friday, 2.30pm: This side has been well led by Thomas Sturgeon and well drilled by Mr Miskelly. They fully deserve their spot in what will be the Academy’s 11th consecutive final.
The quality is there in abundance with Ulster and Irish U16 players in Ben Cosgrove and Peter Brown.
