Cordner Shield a success again

Five primary schools participated with Ballydown retaining their title.

The tournament was proudly sponsored by Asda and organised by Mark Cordner and a team of pupils from Banbridge Academy.

The teams took part throughout the day in a number of matches which lasted for 10 minutes with a two minute interval during games for a rest period. The Havelock pitch was split into two pitches and a coaching area in the middle.

On pitch one, sports leader Mark McCullough helped to umpire the games and on pitch two it was Nathan Liggett. When a team was not playing, past pupils and former sports leaders, helped to coach the young ones alongside Owen Magee, an Irish International.

Throughout the course of the day, each team played each other once and some tantalising games were played. Once all the games had been played, we came down to our top four teams.

Bocombra Primary School came in fifth place and a very well played game between Abercorn and Seagoe showed that Seagoe were the better team and finished in third place.

The final took place between the current champions Ballydown, and the ever so eager Edenderry who wanted their trophy back. Both teams were evenly matched and some great attacking opportunities matched with world class defending ensured a goal drought.

Finally, Ballydown could not retain their title due to a sensational goal by Lewis Groves and a 2-1 loss to Edenderry. This young team showed that they could come through all the odds and take back their trophy. Edenderry were crowned the winners of the tournament.

Owen Magee handed out the awards. Top goal scorer was Lewis Groves of Edenderry and player of the tournament went to a young Mr Clarke of Abercorn who pulled off some astounding saves for his team including a great double save off the line during the group stages versus a strong Seagoe.

Thanks go to Asda for sponsoring the tournament and supplying drinks and snacks. Also to Banbridge Hockey Club for the use of their pitch and the staff behind the barbeque who helped cook the burgers. To Owen Magee who helped out in the coaching area and distributed the prizes at the end.

Many thanks go to MP David Simpson for taking the time to come and see the event. But most of all, thanks go to the sports leaders of Banbridge Academy who organised the event and to Mark Cordner for all his help for the past years.