Armagh Hockey Club

Armagh Hockey Club U15 girls won the Ulster Cup defeating the home side Lisnagarvey 1-3 on the day to lift the Cup. The Armagh team boasting Ulster U16 Players Ellie Stevenson and Chloe Patton, back to the fold from their series events in Scotland and Wales.

The Orchard girls went behind early in the second half after playing out a tight first half.  Armagh had possibly the better chances in the first half to take the lead however, it was a lapse in concentration and a ricochet of the post that was the undoing for the first goal. This served as a catalyst for Armagh and the next passages of play applied serious pressure on the Garvey defence and keeper, resulting in several penalty corners.

Up stepped Scarlett Taylor with a thunderous reverse shot that drew the sides level. Taylor was to claim her brace several minutes after as Armagh turned the screw. Armagh continued to show courage and appetite to play as Coach Christine Russell urged the girls to move the ball into space and from side to side, constantly searching for the gaps. Grace McCool made sure of the win with a wonder-run from outside the 25yrd line into the circle, beating 5 players on the way to slip the ball past a very talented Garvey goalkeeper.

Armagh had to overcome Saintfield, Owls and Banbridge in the Semi-Final to stake their claim in the prestigious final.

Speaking after the whistle Head Coach Christine Russell said, “I am so happy for these girls. They deserve their win today, they played superb. The entire squad showed composure and courage to keep playing after conceding early in the second half. I never doubted them for one moment.

This season has been challenging for us all but most importantly our young people. I am delighted with all the squad and want to thank them for their efforts and also to their parents for all the support. This team will have another season in U15s, so the future looks great for Armagh.”

Pictured: Victorious Armagh team after winning the Ulster Final