Fabulous five for Rowe as Academy reach final four

Banbridge Academy talisman Jake Rowe scored five to reach the Burney Cup semi final. Pic: Rowland White / Presseye

They will take on Inst at Lisnagarvey HC on 9th March, bidding for a spot in the final against either Friends or Sullivan.

The Academy made their way through thanks to a routine 8-0 win over Bangor at Havelock Park, as they followed up their second round win over Wallace.

The game started quickly and fluidly, with Banbridge being the dominant force of the first half, stringing together multiple successions of passing and retaining most of the possession.

Bangor’s forward players tried to break through on a few occasions but The Academy’s defensive line up of Andrew Bennington, James Anderson, Mark Adair and Dylan Cowan denied them access to goal scoring opportunities.

Banbridge pushed forward during the first half with strong performances from both the midfield and forward line ups, however the Bangor keeper denied them the ability to take the lead.

With not long left in the first half Banbridge won a penalty corner, Jake Rowe rocketed a drag flick which was well saved, however Rowe instinctively reacted and slapped the ball home.

The second half began with both sides equally as eager to take control of the game.

The Banbridge side again retained the majority of the play and further dominated the match. Strong performances from the midfield three, Mark Barlow, Charlie Norris and Jake Rowe allowed multiple chances for the forwards but they couldn’t convert the opportunities.

The second goal of the game came again from Jake Rowe who rocketed the ball past the keeper who stood no chance of saving it.

The third goal came from Dylan Cowan who received the ball from Peter McKnight after beating several players, Cowan controlled the ball and efficiently placed it in the bottom corner of the goal.

A great run came from Nathan Ligget, followed by an excellent ball through to Mark Barlow who reversed the ball into the corner bringing the score count to four goals to nil. Jake Rowe then stepped up to the mark again firing two drag flicks into the roof of the net.

The seventh goal was Jake Rowe’s fifth of the day, he lifted the ball past several Bangor defenders then smashed a volley straight past the keeper.

Mark Barlow then followed suit and made the same moves to get past the defenders, then followed with a reverse volley which flew over the keeper’s head into the roof of the net, making the final score line 8-0 to Banbridge Academy.