The past week has been very busy for all the boys’ hockey teams in The Wallace High School. On Tuesday the Under 14XI travelled to Stormont to face Campbell College in the quarter final of the Ferris Cup. Despite trailing at two different points in the match the Lisburn lads showed great courage to fight back and win 3- 2.
The goal scorers were Blair Young and Stephen Hunter who scored both the equalizing and winning goals. This was a super result for the U14AXI who now entertain RBAI in the semi finals on Thursday 3 MArch at QUB.
The U15s played FSL in the Richardson Cup quarter finals at QUB last Wednesday and were slightly unlucky to lose 1 -4. There were several excellent performances from Captain Jamie Brown, Andrew CArberry and Stephen Doherty. Special praise must go to the goal scorer Peter Macdonnell, a second former, who played exceptionally well.
Thursday saw the Under 12 and 13 squads go on their annual tour to Dublin. Both squads played strong opposition and enjoyed their tour. The Under 12XI lost their first match against Dundalk Grammar by a 1- 0 scoreline. This was despite a superb performance from keeper Ryan Miliken who made several fine saves to keep the Lisburn side within touching distance. Later on Thursday they played Irish Schools’ Champions, Wesley College, and emerged with an excellent 2- 2 draw. The goal scorers were Glenn Halliday and Captain Matthew Murphy.
On Friday the U12XI ended their tour on a high note defeating St Andrew’s 6- 2. Halliday opened the scoring for Wallace , whilst Murphy notched another 2. Other goal scorers were Chris Rowland, Michael Keery and Matthew Moore with his first goal for Wallace. Special mention sholud also go to Seb Buser, Henry Watt, Revel Moore and the rest of the squad who improved with every game.
The Under 13XI started their tour with a resounding 3- 0 victory over Dundalk Grammar. Richard Arneill scored two well taken goals whilst Stephen Hunter notched the other. Goalkeeper Richard McNeilly and his defenders also deserve great praise for keeping a clean sheet against the fast, powerful Dundalk forwards.
The U13AXI came down to earth with a crash when they were defeated 1 – 4 by Wesley in the afternoon game. Although they scored the goal of the game through Hunter, following superb work from Peter Macdonnell), Wallace were soundly beaten by this quality side. The Wallace boys did however manage to redeem themselves the next day when they fought out a very competitive 2 – 2 draw with St Andrew’s.
This time the scorers were Alan Kennedy and Macdonnell, whilst Adam McCann was man of the match.All in all the tour was a great success both on and off the pitch.Skill levels were improved against quality opposition whilst the boys also enjoyed a welll deserved meal out, ten pin bowling and quaser.
Tour organiser Mr Gareth Kidd would like to thank sponsors Barbara Kennedy (Kennedy Business systems), Rowan Black (Greens) and Robert Hood (TDP Advertising) for their generous financial contributions towards the new tour kits.
There were two other matches late last week. The Second XI made the long trip to Raphoe to play Royal and Prior in the quarter final of the Dowdall Cup. Unfortunately they were defeated 1 – 0.
Finally on Saturday the Wallace Firsts played Campbell College in a friendly at Stormont. Despite a good performance from Keeper Sam Haldane and much effort from all outfield players, Wallace were defeated 2 – 0 by a Campbell side who are through to the semi finals of the Burney Cup.
Last modified: March 2, 2005
