Hockey

The use of astro-turf pitches, has transformed Schools’ hockey into a fast, dynamic game, requiring a high level of skill and fitness.  If players are to progress, they must practise ‘close stick skills’ regularly on the correct playing surface.  With nine teams this can be difficult to organize.  All four senior teams have the opportunity to train at Paisley Park and the Valley.  The five junior teams play on the gravel at Roughfort. 

At Senior level, the 1^st XI was the most successful team.  The girls played attractive hockey and reached the semi-final of the Ulster Shield.  The match against Ballyclare was a fast flowing game with Ballyclare storming into attack.  The defence led by Laura Wilson gave a top-drawer performance.  The hero of the day was goal-keeper Vicki Green; who in an incredible display of acrobatic goalkeeping managed to keep the steady flow of Ballyclare strikers at bay.  The final score was unfortunately a 1–0 win for Ballyclare.

The U14 A XI – winner of the Owls Cup displayed the same fighting spirit in the semi-final of the Junior Cup against Rainey Endowed.

I am delighted to report that one team did make a final!  Form I girls, captained by Fay Kidd.  Congratulations to new coach Neil Hastings.  It is worth noting that many of the girls who played had come through Academy mini-hockey started by Mr P Dorman and Miss Warburton in 2005.  Miss Warburton (now Mrs Hamilton) has continued with this valuable work assisted by ex-pupil Kerry Reid.

It is very pleasing to note that four players on our 1^st XI had the distinction of representing Ulster and Ireland.  Laura Wilson an inspirational captain and outstanding player has now played for Ulster and Ireland for four years.  She was joined by the equally talented goal-keeper Vicki Green.  Vicki was a hero every week for school and Club so it came as no surprise that she was drafted into the Irish A Senior Development Squad.  Jenny Kyle who has two more years left at school showed just how good she is when she was drafted into the Irish U18 team.  Hannah Clarke also gained a place on the Ulster and Irish U16 team for the second consecutive year.  At Junior level Emily Reid was selected to play at the Belfast area U15 team.

Well over 120 girls played competition hockey this season.  The skills of the girls are not easy and the girls are to be congratulated on their commitment and determination to succeed this season.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those members of staff who are willing to give up their free-time to coach our teams.  It has become a way of life and staff  apply generously their passion for hockey.  I am indebted to Mrs N Nicholl, Mr P Dorman, Miss J Lindores, Miss J Harty, Mrs B McCaughran, Mr N Hermon and Mr A Hermon.  I would also like to thank Mr M Harte for his excellent umpiring of Cup matches.

The Club is very grateful to a large number of staff who assist with games in Forms, III, IV and V – Mrs Alexander who is in charge of swimming, Mrs Morrison and Mrs Millar assist with Badminton, Miss D Keenan and Miss Black – Fitness Suite, Mrs V Heaslip, Mrs F Gilmore and Mrs Roberts, Mrs A Harte in Netball, Mrs J Hanna in Salsa Dancing.

It would be difficult to run a large programme without our own bus drivers and staff who maintain pitches and facilities at Roughfort.  A special thank you to Mr W Thompson.

We say goodbye to Miss J Lindores who has been with us for two years.  She was a most enthusiastic and excellent teacher who enjoyed sharing her love of sport.  We wish her well in her new job.