The Front Row Union Sport - NNI Schools Senior B Final: Banbridge Academy 25 Sullivan Upper 23

We caught up with our first Netball match yesterday as we were invited to cover the Netball Northern Ireland Schools Senior B Final between our friends at Banbridge Academy and Sullivan Upper School.

We certainly picked the right game as it was a cracker with the lead switching multiple times over the four quarters before going into extra time.

Sullivan started quickly and went into a 2 – 3 lead before Banbridge pulled it back to 6 – 6 at the end of the first quarter.

Sullivan’s Ava Downey goes for the opening score.

Banbridge got in front at the start of the second quarter but Sullavan pulled it back to 13 – 13 at half time.

Banbridge captain Katie Mulligan gets an early score.

Scoring slowed down and the tension rose in the second half with still nothing separating the teams at the end of the 3rd quarter which ended at 17 – 17.

Banbridge got a couple of points clear in a nail biting final quarter but again Sullivan pulled them back to tie the game with a late score to take the game into extra time at 21 – 21.

Sullivan’s Alex Mairs looks to get the ball away under pressure from Banbridge’s Lilia McKinney

Defences rammed up the pressure at the start of extra time, looking for turnovers, but they cancelled each other out with the first period ending 22 – 22.

Taylor Barlow stretches for a crucial interception for Banbridge,

Banbridge finally got that precious turnover at the start of the final period and went two score in front, a lead they held to take the trophy with a final score of 25 – 23.

Banbridge players celebrate after winning Netball NI Senior Schoolgirls B Final

Great stuff, congratulations to both sides.

Teams

Banbridge Academy

Katie Mulligan GS
Grace Wills GA
Taylor Barlow GK
Eimear Simpson WD
Lois Clydesdale WA
Megan Williams GD
Katie Scott C
Replacements:
Emily Waddell
Lilia McKinney
Eva Hampton

Sullivan Upper School

Malak Abdelhadi GS
Ava Downey GA
Alex Mairs WA
Rebecca Beggs C
Lois Marshall WD
Katherine Boyle GD
Kirstin Cunningham GK
Replacements:
Erin Bond
Niamh McCracken,
Tess Harper