HOCKEY: Wallace HS planning historic success

Wallace reached the final six years ago but lost to Lurgan College on strokes.

This time they are hoping to go one stage further and lift the trophy but Banbridge have are also seeking to win this competition for the first time.

On route to the final, Wallace defeated Down High School 5-0, Friends’ School 2-0 and Armagh Royal 2-1 in the semi-finals.

This game was well supported, which gave the Wallace players valuable experience of playing in a high-pressure game and should stand them in good stead for what is always the highlight of the year in sport.

Coach Maggie Hunter is pleased with the girls’ progress and would dearly love to bring the cup to Wallace for the first time.

The squad have seven players in their final year and it would be a fitting send off to a group of talented and dedicated players.

Captain Jane Kilpatrick has represented Ulster at Under 16, 18 and 21 levels and currently plays in the Irish Hockey League for Ards Hockey club.

Other representative players are Rachel Houston (Ulster and Irish U16), Anouk Morwood (Ulster U16) and Alyssa Jebb (Ulster U18).

The squad is a mixture of youth and experience with Year 11 midfielder, Rebecca Ayerst, maturing with every game.

There is little doubt that this has been very much a squad effort with all players playing a vital role in their progress to the final.

The Lisburn side will now try to summon up all their undoubted team spirit and commitment to triumph after a long and exciting road to the final.

All at Wallace would like to wish them all the best for the game which starts at 2pm. All support will be greatly appreciated by the team in their bid to create school history.

Have a look at our Banbridge Academy final preview here.