Academy out to make history

The Banbridge Academy Boys’ Hockey team will this season aim to do what no-one has ever managed before – to retain the Burney Cup for a record breaking fifth time. The Senior side, coached by Irish International Eugene Magee alongside duo Mark Cordner and John Clarke, begin their campaign tomorrow afternoon.

They will take on Sullivan Upper in a re-run of last years final, this time in the second round. Pass-back is at 4.30pm.

The Academy currently hold the trophy, having won it every year since 2010. Friends School Lisburn have also held the trophy four years in succession from 1975 to 1978 but this year the Academy will look to go out on their own, picking up the trophy for a fifth year on the trot.

In order to do that, they’ve pulled out all the stops. They have been training twice a week and have even had to adjust to a Sunday session in order to facilitate players representing Ulster/Ireland at U16, U18 and U21 levels. They have also played practice fixtures across the border and, although they are forced to play early due to players’ commitments at national level, they should be well prepared for tomorrow’s Cup test.

See page 37