McCullough Cup
Photo courtesy of Billy Pollock
RBAI 1st XI
Back Row L-R:George Palmer, Tom Crothers, Ethan Kennedy, Morgan Murphy, Ben McKinstry, Robert Craigan, Dan Smith, John Cunningham, David Martin, Ed Forbes-Davies
Front Row L-R:Matthew Cheung, Michael Hollway, Allen Lyons (C), Mark Eames, Darcy Hogg, Matthew McAreavey, Ethan Young
On Wednesday 1st December 2021 the Hockey 1st XI narrowly lost 2-0 in the semi-finals of the McCullough Cup to Wallace High School. In what was a very tight game between two good teams, RBAI had the better of the opening exchanges but were unable to convert three penalty corners. Wallace always looked dangerous in attack and just before half time took the lead from their second penalty corner of the game.
In the second half, RBAI had lots of possession in the opposition half but Wallace were a threat on the counter attack and doubled their lead through a fantastic individual goal at the end of the third quarter. The last quarter saw RBAI create a lot more chances as the boys chased the game but found the opposition goalkeeper in fine form, and unfortunately couldn’t break the deadlock.
All through the competition the team has been a credit to themselves and have worked extremely hard to improve individually and collectively. In qualifying the for semi-final, the boys finished second in their group behind eventual winners Banbridge Academy and ahead of Sullivan Upper, Regent House and Grosvenor Grammar. Attention and preparation now turn to our final Irish Schools group match and the Burney Cup in the new year.
MG