Friends’ girls claim the Schools’ Plate to cap a great season

Captains of all Friends School Girls hockey teams who reached semi finals: Natasha Palmer (2B XI), Beth McClure (2nd XI), Jemma Walker (1st XI Plate Winners) and Rachel Barnes (U14A XI).

It was the perfect end to a great season for the school’s first XI as Olivia Cumins converted a very well taken penalty corner. It’s the first time the trophy has come back to Friends’ since back in 2011.

Captained by Jemma Walker, they began their campaign in the second round with a hard fought 1-0 win over Regent House.

Their next opponents were the Plate favourites, Larne Grammar, who were able to field a team including three Irish U18 players. Friends’ came from behind to win 3-2 and every member of the squad played their part in an excellent match in poor conditions. Rosie Henderson deserves a mention for her skill and tenacity in midfield and coolness when she converted the winning goal.

Friends’ met Cookstown High School in the semi-final. Cookstown proved stiff opposition until the final stages of the match when Friends’ emerged 3-1 winners.

Finalists Victoria College had inflicted a defeat over Friends’ a month earlier so the Lisburn girls were in no doubt as to the quality of the opposition. They kept their cool to pick up the trophy in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

They weren’t the only Friends’ side to enjoy a good Cup run as three other sides reached the semi-finals of their respective Cup competitions.

First up was the U14 XI, captained by Rachel Barnes. They had defeated Royal and Prior, Carrick Grammar and Omagh Academy en route. In the semi-final, they were unlucky not to be in the lead after the first-half but Rainey proved too strong in the second period and eventually won 2-0.

The next semi-final involved 2BXI who were defending their title of Gibson Cup winners 2013.

Captained by Natasha Palmer, they had three clear wins to finish top of their section. In the quarter-final, they were comfortable winners over Down High School with a 3-0 win.

Their opponents in the semi-final were Omagh Academy. Friends’ had an early set back when Omagh scored in the first few minutes. From then it was one way traffic with Friends’ on all out attack. Despite creating many chances it was not to be.

The next semi saw Friends’ 2nd XI face Strathearn. Captained by Beth McClure, their cup run was impressive. It all began with a 4-0 against Portadown College.

However, it was the drama of the next round that got the team believing they could go all the way. Against a talented Rainey side, they came from behind to force the game into extra time. Then there was that silver goal from Alex Dugan, a reverse stick shot which burst the roof of the net from a ridiculous angle.

The confidence from that performance carried on into the quarter-final when with total control they defeated Wallace High school 3-1. Unfortunately, Strathearn were too strong and worthy winners.