McClements Cup Final

Saturday 8th April

Stormont Playing Fields, Belfast

Bangor  4 v 3 Raphoe

Bangor Mens Hockey Club second eleven clinched the McClements Cup with a 4-3 victory in an open and entertaining final with Raphoe seconds at Stormont last Saturday afternoon.

The Bangor side were slow to start, and were duly punished when the Donegal men operened the scoring after just 6 minutes when Thompson in the Bangor goal was left stranded.  The opening exchanges were scrappy to say the least, but as the half progressed the seconds began to impose themselves.  The equaliser eventually came when from a counter attack Clarke teed up Stranaghan mid circle, and the skipper duly despatched past the Raphoe goalie.  The seconds forays were rewarded with short corner awards in the first period, but the Raphoe backline were generally comfortable in their defence.

The play was more structured in the second half from both sides, but it was the seconds who took the advantage this time.  Just 8 minutes in a penalty corner award resulted in a McNaught strike deflecting into the bottom corner to put his side in front for the first time.  Raphoe though were still causing problems and a well worked short corner saw get back level within minutes at 2-2.  It was the 15 minute period following this goal that effectively won the cup when the seconds scored twice to claim a 4-2 advantage with time running out.  First, again from a short corner award, McNaught scored his second with a majestic dipping strike from the top of the circle.  Minutes later, another Bangor attack resulted from McNaught’s stick being chopped yards from goal and the umpire had no hesitation in awarding a penalty stroke.  Gowdy strode forward as the teams appointed flick taker, and confidently despatched past the hapless Raphoe goalkeeper.  The last ten minutes Raphoe committed more men forward, and the seconds had further good chances to increase their lead which were not taken.  Raphoe’s third goal came from a short corner after the final whistle had blown, and the fact they scored mattered little within the Bangor squad as they celebrated a sweet and deserved victory.

Following the match Ulster Branch President Bertie Moore presented the McClements Cup to the elated Bangor captain, Gareth Stranaghan.  A just reward for the whole squad after some superb performances throughout the cup run since January, and the effort and commitment over the entire season.  Every player played his part and the celebrations continued in the clubhouse afterwards and as the team made their way back to Bangor later into the evening.

With 2 matches still remaining in the league, the seconds still have a chance of securing second place over the next couple of weeks so the season is not over just yet.  Many thanks to all those who travelled to support the team on the day.  The players vote afterwards for the man of the match award went to Allen Irwin.

Team:  Thompson, Irwin, Cooper, Toogood, Gowdy, Kirk, McMillen, Scales, McAuley, Macafee, Clarke, Stranaghan, McNaught, Lyall, Cox.

Click here for photos of the 2nds celebrations.