Bann win Anderson Cup
Banbridge Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI got the hockey season off to a great start when they lifted their first piece of silverware at the weekend. Bann won the Anderson Cup at Havelock Park after defeating old rivals Garvey in the final 4-2.
The 9 a-side tournament was rescheduled to the start of the season this year and was played over the weekend with Group Stages on Friday and Saturday with the semi-finals and finals on Sunday and seemed to be a successful format .
Banbridge topped their group on Saturday with wins over Queens (4-0), Kilkeel (6-1) and a draw with Newry (0-0). This took them through to meet Cookstown in the semi-final which was played on Sunday. Cookstown who were the holders of the cup gave Bann an enthralling game which finished 1-1 with Bann winning after a shoot-out.
The final saw Banbridge line up against old rivals Lisnagarvey and it was Garvey who took the early lead but Bann soon levelled the scores with a goal from Neil Gilmore. Just before half-time, new signing Jamie Wright put Bann ahead. Bruce McCandless added to Bann’s scoreline early in the second half however Garvey soon pulled one back again narrowing Bann’s lead. After some top class hockey, it was Philip Brown who sealed Bann’s victory with the final goal resulting in Bann winning 4-2 and lifting the Anderson Cup at Havelock. A great start to the season for Banbridge who will meet Garvey again when they play in the opening league match on the 13th September.