On Wednesday afternoon, near neighbours Banbridge Academy and Wallace High School met at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club, in the final of the McCullough Cup.

Wallace attacked from the outset and caught the Banbridge defense cold when Daniel McElhinney struck from a penalty corner for a 1-0 lead after 3 minutes.

The Banbridge attack swarmed over the Wallace defense but couldn’t break down the stubborn resistance. Wallace lead 1-0 at the end of the 1^st quarter.

The 2^nd quarter was 2 minutes old when Louis Rowe scored from close range to equalize for Banbridge. Banbridge continued to press but Wallace held firm.

A 1-1 draw at halftime was probably not a fair reflection in play, given Banbridge’s share of play..

Banbridge seemed to relax in the 3^rd quarter and Wallace came more into the game. More than once was the Banbridge keeper was called into action and they survived a goal line clearance. Both defenses held and the 3^rd quarter ended 1-1.

In the 4^th quarter Banbridge found their verve again and scored on 49 minutes from Cody Large and 2 minutes later Rowe, justified his ‘Player of the Game’ performance, when he scored his second goal.

Banbridge continued to press but there was no further scoring and they ran out 3-1 McCullough Cup winners.

Match Gallery