First eleven make winning start to season

Wins over Friends School, Armagh Royal, Hunterhouse School Belfast, Portadown College and a draw with Wellington College at the group stage, saw them safely through to the semi-final play off against local rivals Banbridge Academy.

A thrilling game ensued with both teams evenly matched. The experience of Hannah Grieve was instrumental in converting a penalty corner when she calmly eliminated the first defensive runner and used a reverse stick shot to beat the keeper.

This win set up a final against Sullivan Upper School from Belfast. The confidence gained from their semi final win ensured that Lurgan College stamped their authority on this game from the whistle and Sullivan spent most of the match defending. Kathryn Edgar, with a blistering shot, got the first goal. Sister Judith found Julie Morrow with a perfect pass, who proceeded to draw the keeper and off load the ball to Samantha Bann who made no mistake from close range.

The game stayed 2-0 and the College players secured their first piece of silverware this season.

The second eleven have also had a successful start in spite of numerous personnel changes. They have secured a win over Down HS and a 1-1 draw with cup rivals Victoria College.

This season all of the players are relishing the opportunity to train and play home matches on their brand new home pitch. It has been six years since a hockey match was played on Lurgan College school grounds and the players and coaching staff are delighted to at last have true home fixtures.

The icing on the cake came when Lurgan College first eleven were named Team of the Year at Craigavon Sports Advisory Council’s young Sports Awards, after winning a third All-Ireland title last season.

Alex Hurst and Hannah Grieve were the recipients of junior sports bursaries, in recognition of their past achievements and future potential in the sport.

Thanks must go in advance to Classic Mineral Water and Kukri clothing for their continued support.