The Front Row Union Sport - 2021-12-04 Ballymena 1 Banbridge 4 Ulster Denman Shield

I’d hoped to catch up with Banbridge Hockey Club last week but unfortunately the game was cancelled. Instead, our photographer caught up with “The Bann” at Ballymena Academy where they faced Ballymena HC in the opening round of the Denman Shield pool matches.

Report and images by Cyril Boyd Photography

On a bitterly cold day with rain, hail and brilliant sunshine to be factored in, both teams started brightly with the visitors taking an early lead with their No 15 Rachel Kerr breaking through from the 25 and rounding the keeper to score.

Rachel Kerr (left) is congratulated after scoring the opener for Banbridge against Ballymena..

The lead could have been increased on a number of occasions except for the form of the home goalkeeper, Robyn Fullerton who was on great form. Banbridge continued their domination and another goal line interception the the home team’s No 30, Ash Harbinson kept the score to a single goal at half time.

Banbridge continued to apply pressure in the second half and in the third quarter the visitors cut loose with goals from No10, Paula Atkinson (2) and No 9, Stefanie Ardis to seal the game.

Ballymena’s keeper Robyn Fullerton had plenty of work to do against Banbridge on Saturday.

The home defence was playing out of their skins with Fullerton, Harbinson and No 23 Alex McLeister all making big stops to minimise the damage.

A lovely breakaway goal by Ballymena’s No 15, Jordanne Finch added respectability for the home team but it was too little, too late and Banbridge emerged the victors.