On Tuesday 4^th February the girls’ hockey team travelled to Armagh to take part in the Mid Ulster Shield. We played really well from the start and won our first two matches against Hardy (2-0) and Maralin (2-0) with 3 goals from Millie Dowds and 1 from Alex Kerr. Up next was Bocombra in the semi-final. We got a goal after a lovely run up the wing from Sophie Tate and then a tap in from Casey Cousins. Bocombra scored one back, and the match ended 1-1. That meant penalty run ins, and 3 of the girls stepped up to take theirs. Sophie Tate, Alex Kerr and Millie Dowds all did brilliantly, ending 2-2 so then it then went to sudden death penalties. Sophie Tate stepped up again and tapped it in beautifully past the keeper. Next was the final against The Armstrong. This was a brilliant game of hockey and both teams played exceptionally well. Even after full and extra time, it was still 0-0; nothing could come between these teams. Back to penalties again and the girls stepped up and delivered once more; 2-2 on penalties so it went to sudden death again. We unfortunately missed out on one of these, and therefore it was all over. Being the ‘Runners Up’ was a brilliant achievement against 13 other teams, very well done girls! We have lots of league matches and the NI Qualifiers now to look forward to.

Team; Sophie Tate (captain), Alex Kerr (vice-captain), Eve Adair, Abbie Cherry. Casey Cousins, Millie Dowds, Grace McNeill, Scarlett Shaw, Chelsey Dickson, Sophie Little.