Hockey

Girls Hockey Report 2018-19

Friends’ School has a vibrant Girls Hockey club. In recent years, such is the enthusiasm in all year groups, that Friends’ has fielded 5 senior teams and at least 2 teams in each of the age groups U14, U13 and U12. Practices take place every afternoon on the school astro pitches. Matches are arranged both midweek and every Saturday, when from late August to the end of March, often 9 teams compete against the top schools in Ulster. On Saturday mornings Year 8 girls are welcome to take part in a full morning of sport with both netball and hockey on offer. Teams are all entered in all the Ulster Hockey competitions available to grammar schools. Tours to Dublin, Holland and other top European countries are offered on a regular basis.

Girls’ Hockey Report 2019

Over 40 Year 8 girls practised twice a week under the guidance of a team of coaches. The competitive season began with 8 a-side matches versus Wallace, Methody and Ballyclare HS when everyone played. The girls then progressed rapidly to 11–a-side with flair and skill. Talent is clearly evident at this level as the A squad finished runners up in the prestigious Grosvenor Tournament by the smallest of margins in March. So impressed were the organisers that Emma Smyth won player of the section matches and Sophia Cromie Best Player in the Final.

The Juniors began their season with the bi-annual tour to Holland where an U13 and U14 squad play a round of matches and train at the HIC hockey club outside Amsterdam. This trip saw the Friends; match their talented Dutch opponents with wins from both teams. However, Miss Adams had been the star in the U14 match. Missing an U14 goal keeper, she bravely stepped in front of the nets and as any good keeper should bossed her defence the whole match! Top class coaching, a boat trip on the canals, sightseeing and shopping in the city was enjoyed by all over the next 3 days but the highlight was the evening at Amsterdam HC. In pouring rain, the tourists watched Irish hero Dave Harte play for Kampong v Amsterdam. So harsh were the conditions on the pitch that the teams had to temporarily exit the pitch to avoid the hail stones. After the game Dave Harte was set upon by hordes of little Irish girls and many selfies were taken.

The U13’s coached by Ms McMillan and Miss Adams played some great hockey throughout the season and continue to develop their potential. The A’s captained by Ella Latuske and the B’s captained by Erin Eagleson worked with tremendous enthusiasm throughout the year.

The U14A’s captained by Sophie Kidd had high hopes for the Junior Cup. The campaign started well with a solid 3-0 win over Antrim Grammar but in the 3^rd round, decimated by injuries to the squad, they were held to a 0-0 all draw against Coleraine Grammar and lost in the shoot-out. This loss however qualified the team for the Senior Shield. The draw through a mouth-watering ¼ final against neighbours Wallace. It was an ever affair but Friends’ had taken the lead and were heading for the semis when a late breakaway goal forced a penalty shoot-out. Again, Friends’ missed out.

The U14 BXI, captained by Rebecca Elliott, had some convincing wins throughout the season and can feel pleased their progress. The girls cannot be faulted for their commitment to training and matches as there was a full turn throughout the season.

Having reached the semi-final of the Super League in the two previous seasons and the semi-final of the Senior Schools cup the aim of the 1stXI, captained by Kate Hamill, was to go get their hands on a trophy. The draw was a tough one with Banbridge Academy and Armagh Royal recognised as the top two teams in Ulster and despite excellent performances the team failed to gain the necessary points to reach the ¼ finals.

Such is the structure of the Schools Cup, this meant Friends’ were not seeded and entered at the 2nd round. A convincing win against Sullivan meant they faced Rainey Endowed in the infamous, dreaded by all, SHED. Again despite a great effort the team were beaten on the day and after the disappointment and thoughts that their cup season was over, the Year 14 girls were delighted to find they were now in the Shield.

Now used to never being drawn at home! Their ¼ 3-0 final win away to Limavady Grammar in January boosted confidence. They now faced a very fancied BRA side in a tightly fought semi-final. After a thrilling 1-1 draw The Friends’ girls convincingly won the shoot-out 3-1 with Cara McEwen amazing in goals. Final Number 1.

With the promotion of several players to the 1stXI, the 2nds had an altogether new look. Olivia Agnew proved to be a committed and inspiring captain of a very young side. Their attitude and willingness in training from the outset paid dividends, meaning the 2^nd XI began their campaign to retain the McDowell Cup, as an unbeaten team. 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd round wins against Lurgan College, Down HS and Omagh Academy drew them against local rivals, Wallace in the ¼ final. Much the superior side, Friends’ found it hard to break down a resolute defence. The final score 1-0. Portadown College were the long-awaited semi-final opponents. The win was never in doubt as Friends’ again dominated with a 2-0 win. Final Number 2.

The 2BXI captained by Lea Carson, began their defence of the Gibson Cup campaign scoring 11 goals as they swept aside Sullivan, Larne Grammar and Dromore HS team to win their section. They defeated Rainey in the quarter final, where?? the SHED but only after a tense shoot-out only to face Methody, old rivals in this competition. In an exciting match they led with a cracking penalty corner from Grace Cotton. These were evenly matches teams an after some sustained pressure Methody equalised. Thus ensued shoot-out which was settles only after Sara Bamford faced 14 run-ins! Despite her mammoth efforts and 3^rd Gibson Cup was not to be.

Nearly Final Number 3!

The 3rdXI, captained by Emma Kennedy, were entered in the new 4thXI Cup. The competition commenced in late January and the team got off to a flying start in the ¼ final against Methody with a 4-0 win. The girls were well organised and very committed under new coach ‘Angie’. Ballyclare HS, also strong in depth like Friends’ would be a different proposition in the semi. But no, the girls breezed through with a 2-0 win. Definitely….. Final Number 3

These 3 wins set the tone for what was the be an historic hockey week for Friends’. One to top last year’s 2 trophy wins. The supporters signed up, Monday & Wednesday of that week would long be remembered and yes there were more roses!!!

Clutching their ‘yellow roses’, the 2ndXI were first up and confidently took to the field at Playball. The water-based pitch was to become a second home for Friends’. Playing the passing game, the2ndXI outplayed Strathearn, but as Friends’ know their opponents are so good on the counter attack. Every time Friends’ took the lead, a counter attack brought the game level. However, with goals from Thea Wilson, Kate Erskine and Alena Morrison they retained the McDowell Cup with a nail-biting 3-2 win. One Trophy in the cabinet.

Next up were the 4thXI on Wednesday morning. Wearing finals t-shirt and ‘White roses’ held aloft they proudly took the field against Ballymena Academy. In control of the match despite some nerves they found it hard to break the deadlock. Late in the 2^nd half after constant pressure a penalty stroke was awarded. Up stepped Beth Faulkner who slotted the ball home.

Two trophies in the cabinet.

The next match, the coaches can reveal was the wobbly knees one! The 1stXI Senior Shield final v Omagh Academy. However, expert preparation by our own Gary Neville, aka Miss A, meant the 1stXI led by Kate Hamill ‘had a cunning plan’! Armed with their ‘Red Roses’ they took the field. The tactics worked, and Friends’ had much the better half. Ella Brown hit the post and just as half time approached Rachel Kennedy struck. Not surprisingly Omagh upped the pressure in the 2^nd half and got a deserved equaliser. But Friends’ 1stXI never give up and with 8 minutes to go, from a penalty corner, Tyla Eley’s reverse cross stick was tucked in neatly by ‘low to the ground’ Darcy McGall!

Omagh were stunned, this was not in their script. But Friends’ held on and despite an early pitch invasion when Mrs R & Miss A mistook a penalty corner decision for the final whistle, Friends’ had triumphed. Three trophies in the cabinet

The Helen Martin Trophy competition played over a number of days, resulted in another win for Friends’. The points score was 18-6 with the 3rdXI claiming the glory with a 6-0 win, 4 goals coming from Rhyley Miller. A very satisfying end to an unforgettable season.

Representative Squads

Isabella Monaghan, Emma Smyth, Chrissy Hopkins and Sophia Cromie are currently training with an U13 TDS.

Sophie Kidd, Sara Bamford, Natasha Whiteside, Emma Knox, Elsa McGall, Emma Fraser, Charlotte Kennedy, Lara Kennedy, Sarah Kelly and Lara Wilson were selected to train with the U15TDS, the largest ever representation from Friends’.

At the end of the season Sophie Kidd, Sarah Kelly, Sara Bamford, Elsa McGall, Emma Fraser and Lara Wilson played for the Area squad in the U15 Area Tournament.

At the beginning of the season after training in the summer months, Ella Brown and Darcy McGall were selected and played for the Ulster U16 squad in the Interprovincial Championships. Both girls were selected for an Irish trial. Darcy unlucky not to reach the final stages.

Sophie Kidd, Darcy McGall and Sara Bamford were selected for the Ulster U16 Development squad. As a result of their sessions, Darcy and Sophie were selected to play for the Ulster U16 squad against Leinster and a series of matches v Scotland and later Wales.

Rachel Kennedy was asked to train with the Irish U17 Development squad for potential selection at U18 next season

Cara McEwen trained with the Ulster U21 squad, as is Kate Gourley. Rachel Barnes was also selected.

Coach Alanna Doyle played for the Irish U21 Squad

Ella Brown did reach the final stages of her long training programme with the Irish U16 squad and was rewarded with a tour to Germany, when she won her first international age group cap. As a result of her performances she remained on the squad for the 6 Nation Championships.

Club Member of the Year                                           Sarah King

Most Improved Senior Player                                     Tyla Eley

Walker Cup (most improved Junior Player)                Natasha Whiteside             

Top Senior Goal Scorer                                              Sarah Sandford

Top Junior Goal Scorer                                               Daisy Donnelly

Thanks go to all the parents who supported throughout the year and coaches- ex players Beth Ravey, Hannah Erskine and Kate Gourley, Alana Doyle, Mrs McQueen and Ms McMillan, Mrs O’Neill and Angie Dickson, Dr Phillips, Miss Adams and Mrs Rodgers.

 L Rodgers

Junior Girls’ Hockey Tour

Holland 2018

One early Thursday morning, an excited bunch of girls set out to travel to Holland on their tour, organised by Global Coaching. Leaving the flight, they were complimented on their manners and behaviour by the EasyJet staff. The all-important ‘Iamsterdam’ photo was taken outside Schiphol Airport and then off to HIC. Lunch, followed by a varied training session led up to the evening matches. The U14s got off to a great start against HIC. With Miss C Adams, a new addition to the squad, they dominated the first half. Charlotte Kennedy showed great strength down the right, feeding through some excellent balls to Rebekah Evans. The HIC goalkeeper, who was voted player of the match, had plenty to do, saving from Sophie Kidd, Sofia Hortiguela-Conn and Rachel Meeke.

The pressure eventually told and, from a well won corner, Lara Wilson struck the ball into the corner of the goal. Sophie Kidd was voted player of the match by our hosts and Charlotte Kennedy was rewarded for her play and energy.

The effervescent U13s began their game against HIC with half the team gazing in awe at the height of their opposition. However, as the match progressed this was no obstacle as the ‘mini mees’ were like terriers hunting the ball. The first half was an even encounter with both keepers made to work hard. After the team talk at the interval Friends’ dominated up front. The opening goal came from a move between Ella Latuske, Charlotte Snape and Isabella Connor who created a series of 2v1s, ending in a reverse stick shot from Isabella which hit the roof of the net. Tails were up, Emma Fraser and Brooke Logan took control of the centre and before long the second goal followed. Charlotte Hilditch took a quick free at the back and found Ella Latuske. She slipped the ball to Charlotte Snape who, perfectly placed, tapped the ball home. Such was the hype, there was a hilarious mixture of tears and laughter to end the day’s hockey. A fabulous meal was enjoyed before the welcome journey to the hotel and ‘chillax’.

The famous breakfast, much talked about, did not disappoint the next morning. The squads then headed off to the famous Kampong Club in Utrecht. The session, taken by the three young coaches, went down a storm. They concentrated on tricks which fully engaged the girls. We look forward to seeing these in practice. Sadly, the Kampong juniors pulled out of the fixture, but undeterred, the U13s took on the U14s and for most of the game matched them all over the pitch.

The girls welcomed the early return back to the hotel and in no time had filled the hotel pool to the exclusion of all others! That evening the girls had their choice of food at the nearby restaurant mall before they travelled to Amsterdam HC, in pouring rain, to watch Irish hero Dave Harte play for Kampong v Amsterdam. So harsh were the conditions on the pitch that the teams had to temporarily exit the pitch to avoid the hail stones. After the game Dave Harte was set upon by hordes of little Irish girls and many selfies were taken. It was then back to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

On Saturday, a canal trip with refreshments was enjoyed, followed early afternoon by a retail therapy bonanza. Laden with bags, the girls hit McDonalds before returning to hotel. The evening was spent in the hotel pool followed by confectionery parties!

Sunday morning it was check out, then back to Amsterdam HC to watch the home team play Bloomendahl. With four Dutch international players on show, a fast flowing game ended in a 1-0 win for Amsterdam HC.

The finale of the tour saw the girls fight it out in laser games and go kart races at the Game Prison Island Centre at The Hague before heading to Schipol. Their time in Holland concluded with the presentation of some special awards.

U14 Awards

For more than fulfilling their role as captain and vice-captain and consistently volunteering to assist Mrs McQueen – Emma Knox and Rebekah Evans.

‘Selfie, NO shame’ award – Aoife Fisher.

U13 Awards

‘Don’t mess with me’ award – Ella Latuske.

‘Silent but deadly’ award – Emma Fraser.

‘Imitation of a senior citizen on a Sunday drive’ award, for her go-karting prowess – Katie Reid.

‘I don’t know why I’m crying’ award – Kate Callaghan.

L Rodgers