On a sunny Sunday at Havelock Park, Banbridge Hockey Club hosted a spectacular Hockey Blitz that showcased not only the talent of the participating teams but also the spirit of friendly competition that left every club proud. The day kicked off with the U11s session, setting the stage for an exciting day of hockey.
U11s Showcase: The morning session saw enthusiastic young players from Banbridge as well as Armagh, Portadown, Lurgan, Dromore, and Lisnagarvey. The U11s displayed impressive skills, agility, and sportsmanship that set a positive tone for the day. The future of hockey in the region looks promising with such talented and dedicated youngsters on display.
U13 Qualifier Day: The action continued in the afternoon with the U13 qualifier day, a crucial step towards the Ulster Hockey Finals day at Stormont. The teams competing - Armagh, Banbridge, Dromore, Lisnagarvey, Lurgan and Portadown - brought their A-game to secure a coveted spot in the finals.
Host Club Triumph - Banbridge Hockey Club: Banbridge Hockey Club's hosting prowess was evident throughout the day. The club's organisation and hospitality set the perfect backdrop for the intense matches that unfolded on the field. The dedication of the Banbridge players, coaches, and organisers was evident, creating an environment that celebrated the true spirit of hockey.
Final Standings: Banbridge Hockey Club's teams performed exceptionally well, finishing the day undefeated and showcasing an incredible defensive performance that saw them not concede a single goal. The final standings reflected the competitive nature of the event:
Armagh (1st Place): The top-performing team, securing 9 points and qualifying for the Cup. Their skills and determination were commendable.
Portadown (2nd Place): A close contender with 8 points, also qualifying for the Cup. The friendly rivalry between Armagh and Portadown added an extra layer of excitement.
Banbridge (3rd Place): With 7 points, Banbridge demonstrated a strong performance, earning a well-deserved spot in the Plate competition.
Lurgan (4th Place): Securing 6 points and qualifying for the Plate on goal difference, Lurgan showcased resilience and teamwork.
Dromore (5th Place): Finishing with 6 points, Dromore's competitive edge contributed to the overall intensity of the matches.
Lisnagarvey (6th Place): Despite finishing with 1 point, Lisnagarvey's players performed well, and their sportsmanship was commendable.
Acknowledgments: The success of the Hockey Blitz wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of all involved. Special thanks go out to the coaches and officials for their dedication and hard work in preparing the teams. A heartfelt appreciation is also extended to the Ladies 1s and 2s for their contribution to the delicious food, enhancing the overall experience for everyone present.
The Hockey Blitz at Havelock Park was a triumph of skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. Banbridge Hockey Club showcased its commitment to fostering a love for the sport and creating an environment where every participant felt proud to represent their club. The event not only served as a platform for competition but also as a celebration of the vibrant hockey community in the southern area of Ulster.
Team | Pts | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
Armagh | 9 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
Portadown | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Banbridge | 7 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Lurgan | 6 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Dromore | 6 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Lisnagarvey | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 12 | -12 |
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