Wallace girls’ Cup run comes to an end on the smurf turf

They went down narrowly, 2-1 to Ballyclare High School after a tight match on the smurf turf on Saturday morning.

Hopes of progression to the semis were high, particularly after the hosts took an early lead with a splendid goal from Year 12 student Jasmine Kirkwood.

However, Ballyclare soon equalised and subsequently took the lead to secure a final 2-1 victory. The Ballyclare High team can boast a full international player and Wallace’s spirited play produced the smallest margin of victory for Ballyclare throughout the tournament and indeed the season.

Speaking after the match Team Manager Mrs Louise MacDonnell said: “This is a very young team with the majority of players in Year 12. We believe the future looks bright for Wallace hockey and we are delighted with our new pitch which has really added immensely to our school facilities.”

Mrs Maggie Hunter (Team Coach), whose distinguished international career is an inspiration to the Wallace girls, said: “The girls were, as always, a credit to themselves, their families and the school. Games are won and lost on very small margins but we are very proud of our performance in the tournament.

“We wish Ballyclare High all the very best for the semi-final and we are already looking forward to next year’s Schools’ Cup.”