Armagh 4 ON Sunday last Banbridge Ladies U13s travelled to Lisnagarvey to participate in the Ulster Hockey Union Girls U13 Youth League. Banbridge’s first opponents was a very strong Armagh side who settled into the game very quickly and within minutes Banbridge found themselves 1-0 down. Banbridge pushed hard for the equaliser with some good play but the Armagh defence stood strong and Banbridge were unable to get on the score sheet. Armagh continued to press the Banbridge defence in an attempt to get their next goal which came shortly after. Banbridge struggled to gain control and Armagh notched up another two goals before the full time whistle blew. This was a disappointing result for the Banbridge girls and one they would probably rather forget! Banbridge Ladies U13s 2 North Down 0 Banbridge’s second match was against North Down and after a disappointing first game the Banbridge girls were determined to improve on their performance. From the beginning the Banbridge girls looked strong and played with much better shape and structure, forcing the North Down defence to work continuously. They were rewarded after just five minutes when a cross from Jayne Scott found Joanna Berry who slotted the ball past the North Down keeper. Banbridge continued to pile on the pressure and where rewarded when Charley Brush took the lead with a sharp pass finding Joanna Berry on the right who took control of the ball and slipped it past the North Down keeper. The Banbridge girls continued to dominate the game and both Rebecca Huey and Lauren McGaw were unlucky not to add their names to the score sheet. Banbridge Ladies U13s 1 Lisnagarvey ‘A’ 1 In their third match Banbridge were up against Lisnagarvey U13A team. From the beginning Banbridge knew this would be a hard match and quickly settled into the game. The defence of Jayne Scott and Charley Brush continually worked hard to break down the opposition whilst the midfield of Anna Waugh and Joanna Berry worked tirelessly to keep feeding the forward line of Rebecca Huey and Lauren McGaw. This game was played on a knife-edge with both teams putting pressure on their opposition’s defence with both Hannah Orr in the Banbridge goal and the Garvey keeper being kept busy throughout the match. Rebecca Huey was unfortunate not to score after a great ball from Charley Brush. Lisnagarvey were the first to break with a controversial goal which resulted in Jayne Scott sustaining a head injury and Banbridge continuing the game with a player down! Banbridge fought back hard and were well rewarded when, after an impressive run down the right, Anna Waugh made a great pass to Joanna Berry in the centre who tapped the ball past the Lisnagarvey keeper to level the score. Banbridge Ladies U13s 2 Victorians 0 In their penultimate match Banbridge’s opposition was Victorians. The Banbridge girls had never played this team before and weren’t sure what to expect from their opponents. From the start they played with great enthusiasm and determination, passing the ball fluently through the defence and midfield resulting in several chances for the forwards. They were rewarded in the sixth minute when Joanna Berry picked up an incisive pass from Charley Brush and slotted the ball into the net. Banbridge were able to move the ball around the pitch and there was some great cross-pitch play. Lauren McGaw had some great bursts of speed down the left and was unlucky not to add her name to the score sheet. Good defensive play by Banbridge meant that keeper Hannah Orr had little to do. Banbridge completely dominated the game and sealed their victory after an individual run down the right by Charley Brush found Joanna Berry who took control of the ball and slammed it into the back of the net leaving the Victorians keeper without a chance! This was a great performance by the whole team to give a well deserved victory! Banbridge 2 Lisnagarvey ‘B’ 0 The final match of the day was against Lisnagarvey Under 13B team. Having drawn 1-1 against the ‘A’ team Banbridge were confident going into this game. Right from the whistle they piled on the pressure and forced the Garvey defence to work constantly. The defence of Jayne Scott and Charley Brush continually worked hard to break down the opposition to ensure that Garvey attacks didn’t come to anything and provided Goalkeeper Hannah Orr with an easy match. The midfield of Lauren McGaw and Anna Waugh worked diligently, constantly feeding the ball to the forward line of Rebecca Huey and Joanna Berry who relentlessly bombarded the Garvey keeper. The breakthrough came when a precise cross from Jayne Scott found Anna Waugh in the centre who calmly collected the ball and slipped it straight through the keeper’s legs. A further goal was scored five minutes later after an individual run by Lauren McGaw down the left found the end of Joanna’s stick who slotted the ball home - her sixth of the day - to secure the match for Banbridge!