The U16 played in the final of the Taylor Cup on Thursday 20th March against Regent House. The Kilkeel HS boys started strongly and took the lead against the strong favourites from Newtownards. The ball was worked from the right-hand side and came to Robert McBride, who hammered a beautiful reverse stick strike past the stranded goalkeeper. It was 1-0 to Kilkeel after the 1st quarter.
Regent House exerted pressure in the second quarter and duly equalised from a well-worked penalty corner. Thus, meaning it was 1-1 at the break and all to play for in the second half.
Regent started the second half strongly and capitalised on some good interplay down their right, with an unstoppable reverse stick strike sending them ahead 2-1.
Kilkeel continued to press for an equaliser in the 4th quarter, coming agonisingly close on numerous occasions to finding the touch, crosses coming in from the right and left wing.
A late counter-attack from Regent, resulted in a penalty corner, which they converted right on the final whistle.
The young Kilkeel squad can take tremendous heart from a valiant effort and from an excellent, ‘never-say-die’ attitude to the last play of the game.
The exemplary attitude and skill level was a testament to the Kilkeel boys’ hard work throughout the season.
Well done to the boys for representing Kilkeel High School so well and stepping up to prove they belong with the top schools in their competition.
The squad was as follows;
Aaron Rogers (Goalkeeper, vice captain)
Kyle Hamilton
Philip Hamilton
Alfie Graham
Samuel Campbell
Callum McGregor
Charlie Stevenson (captain)
Jay Forsythe
Jack Campbell
Robert McBride
Harry Stevenson
Callum MacDonald
Oscar Newell
Alfie Blue
Harry Mitchell
Adam Morris
Harley Houston
Jack Graham (Goalkeeper)
