Bears start their season with mixed results!
Banbridge Bears U-15 1 Annadale U-15 3
The Bears got the competitive season underway on Sunday with a defeat at home to a well organised Annadale side in the opening round of fixtures in the Ulster Hockey League. Despite drawing level through Aaron Reid in the middle of the second half, the Bann side were second best for the most of the match and eventually succumbed to a better Annadale side.
The early stages of the match were all Annadale as they took advantage of a rather disjointed looking Bann side. Indeed only for the heroics of Bears keeper Peter Bingham, the match could have been over at halftime. He saved at least five times from Dale forwards when goals looked more likely and continued his impressive progression between the sticks.
The Bears did get better and more organised as the half went on; with the introduction of Rowe, Farson and Ferguson have an immediate effect on the dynamics of the team. Stronger through the spine, the young Bann stars started to combine better as a team and compete better with their opponents. But the half ended scoreless thanks in the main to the outstanding performances of the two goalkeepers.
The second half started much brighter for the Bears with Craig Kennedy in particular impressing in a deeper forward role. He set up chances for Sam Farson and the equally impressive Aaron Reid. But this early in the season their shooting was not quite up to scratch and they failed to test the visiting keeper.
But the visitors were soon back in the ascendancy, and it wasn’t long before they took the lead. A clever move down the right saw a ball to the back post just evade the despairing lunge of William Tougher and the forward was left with an easy tap-in.
But Bann showed some grit and determination to get back into the game almost immediately, attacking in numbers, they created a number of half chances which troubled the visiting keeper, and Matthew Warnock was unlucky not to get a touch on a ball which flashed across the goal. But it was wee Aaron Reid who drew the local’s level, showing beautiful composure and control in the circle to fire the ball low through the keeper and into the back of the net.
However as the game wore on the Annadale side grew in confidence and created a number of chances. Despite the best efforts of Luke Skillen in the Bann net, Dale regained the lead. A rasping drive from the edge of the circle went in off the far post. And the visitors continued to attack and eventually scored the third goal in the last minute of the game.
But even in defeat there were positives for coach Paddy Grimes as he starts what will be a long season. The players are a talented bunch and there are definitely going to be a good group to work with. The additions of David McCracken, Clark Neville and Johnny McKee who were with Ulster U-16 team, will be key as the league progresses. Next up for the locals in three weeks will be Lisnagarvey, who will make the trip to Havelock as favourites to win the revamped Ulster League.
Team: P.Bingham; L.Skillen; J.Corr; B.Dillon-Burns (Capt); S.Donnelly; S.Farson; A.Ferguson; M.Hurst; C.Kennedy; B.Knox; D.McMullan; A.Reid; J.Rowe; R.Scott; W.Tougher; M.Warnock; M.Young.
Bann Under 13 Bears entertained Annadale despite being a mostly under 12 team the boys competed very well with a very competent visiting team. Although losing the game the young Bann team showed some great technique and skill and were rewarded with two great goals through Aaron McConnell and Josh Peacock. The boys our back in action in a October when Lisnagarvey visit Havelock.
Just a reminder Sunday afternoon hockey practice is back to normal next week with the Under 13s on at 2:30pm to 4:00pm and the Under 15s 4:00pm to 5:30pm. New members very welcome, for more details visitwww.banbridgehockeyclub.com.
BEARS UNDER 11’S EDGE OUT ‘DALE
The first outing for the Banbridge Under Elevens saw them entertain an Annadale side which had beaten them convincingly the previous season. At a sunny Havelock Park, the Lough Moss outfit took an early lead after some confusion in Bann’s defensive ranks. The under 11s were not disheartened and under the astute guidance of coach Livingstone, equalised within 5 minutes through Cameron Beacom-Hurle and then took the lead through Jack Hutchinson after a fine counter attacking move started by a good clearance by Callum Gibson. The second period saw more good play but Bann were unlucky to see Dale draw level. The Bears regrouped in the third period with Cameron again putting the Bann lads ahead. The introduction of Luke McConnell and Ryan Simms added attacking prowess to the team. Again, Annadale equalised with Josh McAdam and Goalkeeper John Wilson unfortunate to concede after some resolute defending. Banbridge were not be denied though, with a fine last minute strike from hat-trick hero Cameron ensuring a deserved opening win for the Bears. Everyone played well in what was a promising team performance. Well done Boys