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Castle Gardens Primary School, Newtownards

Ulster Hockey Blitzes in Bangor

6th Feb 2024

On Monday 5th February the boys hockey team took part in an Ulster Hockey Blitz at Bangor Grammar. 

The boys played six matches umpired by students from the school including former pupil Jack Magowan. 

Sitting out the first two rounds of fixtures, the boys finally got underway against Grange Park. The boys found themselves under pressure from the start against a team playing their third game of the morning. Superb saves by goalkeeper Lucas kept us in the game but a well taken goal three minutes from the end closed out a narrow defeat in first game. 

The next two matches were tight competitions against Dundonald and Andrews Memorial. Chances were few and far between but the boys were able to carve out a few opportunities but couldn't find that final decisive moment. 

Games and Sullivan and Towerview were once again competitive but excellent finishing from our opponents led to consecutive defeats.  

Our final game was our best showing of the morning despite tired legs. A well taken goal by Danny secured the first win of the day. 


Results 

Grange Park L 1-0

Dundonald D 0-0

Andrews Memorial D 0-0 

Sullivan L 2-0

Rathmore L 2-0

Andrews W 1-0 

Team
Lucas, Joel, Joel, Logan, Danny, Rhys, Daniel, Jack. 

The following day it was the turn of the girls to take part in their blitz, again at Bangor Grammar.

Five games were scheduled for the girls against Model, Andrews, Abbey, Grand Park and Rathmore.

New GK Charlotte P donned the pads for the first time at 10am today and quickly found out how different it was playing in goal in hockey compared to playing goal in football. Ignoring a couple of early new pad errors that conceded 2 soft goals, the girls competed really well and the game finished 3-1 to Model, our goal being scored by Charlotte K. Charlotte P made a number of excellent saves throughout the morning including in our second game against Andrews. A 1-1 draw, again Charlotte K scoring the goal.

Next up was a game against Abbey who were a fantastic side. They scored four goals that were of very high quality despite the best efforts of Melissa, Clara and Niamh in defence.

The penultimate game proved to be incredibly frustrating for the girls. Have most of the ball and chances against Grange Park but being unable to find the scoring touch always presents the risk of a counter attack. Sure enough in the final moments of the game, despite a super double save by Charlotte, the decisive touch was found by a Grange Park forward and the game ended 1-0.

After a snack and a bit of craic the girls rallied and took their frustrations out on Rathmore. A resounding 3-1 victory with all 3 goals by Charlotte K rounded off another really enjoyable morning of hockey.

Results

Model L 3-1

Andrews D 1-1

Abbey L 4-0

Grange Park L 1-0

Rathmore W 3-1

Team

Charlotte P, Melissa, Clara, Lily B, Lily M, Charlotte K, Caitlyn, Niamh

Our lads and ladies had a great couple of mornings in Bangor and competed for every ball against many players who play regularly at clubs. Huge thanks to Kerry Kennedy for helping and to parents for supporting and assisting with lifts.